Politics

Belgian King’s visit to Vietnam: A catalyst for stronger bilateral ties

Pierre Gréga, President of the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association, hailed the upcoming state visit of Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4 as a “golden opportunity” to strengthen the bilateral partnership.

Pierre Gréga, President of the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association, speaks at event supporting Vietnamese Agent Orange victims in Brussels, Belgium, February 2025. (Photo: VNA)
Pierre Gréga, President of the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association, speaks at event supporting Vietnamese Agent Orange victims in Brussels, Belgium, February 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Brussels (VNA) – The upcoming state visit of Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4 is anticipated to usher in a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations, fostering deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.

Pierre Gréga, President of the Belgium-Vietnam Friendship Association, hailed the visit as a “golden opportunity” to strengthen the bilateral partnership.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Brussels, Gréga emphasised the significant potential for collaboration between the two nations. Despite being relatively small on the global stage, both Vietnam and Belgium stand to benefit greatly from enhanced cooperation, particularly amid current global uncertainties driven by major power dynamics.

Gréga highlighted the shared challenges facing both countries and suggested they could support one another on international platforms such as the United Nations. He also pointed to promising economic prospects, notably in maritime trade, citing the strategic linkage between the Port of Antwerp and Da Nang Port. Additionally, he underscored the rich history of educational and scientific collaboration, with thriving student and researcher exchange programs strengthening ties between the two nations' academic institutions.

Fostering relations built on mutual respect and seeking win-win measures will be key to achieving sustainable growth, he added.

Belgian Minister of State André Flahaut echoed this optimism, stressing the importance of bolstering bilateral ties, particularly through improved visa policies. He underscored the need to facilitate easier access for students, researchers, and professionals, viewing this as vital for advancing cooperation. Flahaut also urged Belgium to expedite the ratification of international agreements to further boost engagement with Vietnam.

The visit by the Belgian King and Queen is expected to invigorate the Vietnam-Belgium partnership, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration in trade, education, science, and more. With mutual understanding and respect for cultural diversity seen as key pillars, this visit is set to deepen bonds and strengthen the foundation for long-term cooperation./.

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