Viet Nam, Denmark celebrate 55 years of partnership through sustainable city initiatives in Da Nang

Co-organized by the Da Nang People's Committee and the Embassy of Denmark in Viet Nam in celebration of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Denmark and Viet Nam (1971 – 2026), the event gathered around 300 participants who shared a common commitment to sustainability, responsibility and the longstanding friendship between Denmark and Viet Nam. It was held at APEC Park, Da Nang's symbol of international cooperation, integration, and aspiration.

At the heart of the event was a public photo exhibition showcasing 18 artworks portraying Copenhagen's approach to sustainable, urban, and people-centered design, as well as quality of life. The exhibition was guided by Mr. Pham Anh Tu, Vice President of the Da Nang Architecture University, who shared insights into the architectural and cultural perspectives behind the artworks. Alongside the Copenhagen exhibition was a dedicated Da Nang corner reflecting the city's identity as a peaceful, dynamic, and tourism-oriented coastal city.

A key highlight closing the event was the community biking tour, bringing together around 300 representatives from the Da Nang People's Committee and its departments and agencies, the Embassy of Denmark in Viet Nam, Danish companies, students from universities and Hope School in Da Nang, and biking enthusiasts across the city. The cycling route passed several of Da Nang's iconic landmarks, including Dragon Bridge, the Cham Sculpture Museum, the Carp Turning into Dragon Statue, as well as views towards other well-known city landmarks such as Tran Thi Ly Bridge and Han River Bridge. The experience has highlighted how cycling can contribute to a greener, healthier, and more people-friendly approach to urban transportation in Da Nang.

"I can see many shared values between Copenhagen and Da Nang. Both are vibrant coastal and port cities that are committed to sustainability, green urban development, people-centered living, and creating more bike-friendly communities. I am truly impressed by the energy and enthusiasm at today's event, and Denmark is proud to be among the first international partners to cycle across the Han River together with the people of Da Nang. With this strong spirit of collaboration, I am confident that the partnership between Denmark and Da Nang will continue to grow - advancing green transition, sustainable urban development, innovation, and close people-to-people ties in the years ahead", shared Nicolai Prytz, Ambassador of Denmark to Viet Nam at the event.

The event highlights the shared ambitions of Denmark and Viet Nam in promoting greener, more liveable, and sustainable cities. Supported by Danish businesses operating in Central Viet Nam, namely Carlsberg and APM Terminals, it reflects the growing engagement of Danish companies in supporting Viet Nam's green transition.

The Copenhagen - Da Nang photo exhibition will remain open to the public until 22 June at APEC Park, 2 Thang 9 Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang.

As Denmark and Viet Nam celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, Da Nang is increasingly emerging as a city of growing Danish interest across business, academia, cultural and people to people exchange.

About Denmark – Viet Nam Relations

Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1971. Denmark is consistently recognized as one of the few countries allocating a high share of its national income to official development assistance (ODA), amounting to around 0.8% of its Gross National Income (GNI). For many years, Viet Nam was one of Denmark's largest recipients of development assistance.

In 2013, Denmark became the first Nordic country to establish a Comprehensive Partnership with Viet Nam, marking the transition from development cooperation to a broad-based partnership. Since then, bilateral cooperation has expanded across political dialogue, strategic cooperation, and trade and investment in sectors such as energy, education, health, food safety and maritime, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges, with a strong emphasis on green growth and sustainable development. In 2023, the two countries further elevated relations through the establishment of a Green Strategic Partnership, marking another important milestone in the bilateral relationship and making Viet Nam the fifth country globally to enter into this specific green partnership with Denmark.

This year, Denmark and Viet Nam commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations, celebrating more than half a century of turning partnership into progress through activities in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and across Viet Nam./.