Hanoi (VNA) – The upcoming state visit to Vietnam by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium is a special one with a significant meaning for both sides, which is expected to open a new chapter in the relations between Vietnam and Belgium, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang told the press ahead of the historic visit.
This visit, from March 31 to April 4, will be the first of its kind in over five decades since diplomatic ties were established, Hang noted, holding that it reflects King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's deep affection for Vietnam.
While this is their first visit in an official capacity, it is also a meaningful return to a country where they have fond memories from previous visits, she stated.
The visit underscores Vietnam's steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and proactive international integration. It also reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with Belgium, a key partner within the European Union.
It is expected to boost political trust and expand collaboration in key areas, notably trade, investment, and agriculture. It will reinforce the Vietnam-Belgium Strategic Partnership in Agriculture, established in 2018, while advancing cooperation in education, science-technology, and cultural exchanges.
Joining the Belgian royal delegation will be 34 CEOs from prominent Belgian and EU corporations specialising in logistics, maritime services, energy transition, healthcare, and food. Additionally, 16 academic leaders from top Belgian universities and research institutions will accompany the visit, underscoring Belgium's ambition to deepen existing partnerships and identify new cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.
Through the visit, Vietnam continues urging the Belgian side to create favourable conditions for the 13,000-strong Vietnamese community in Belgium, encouraging their integration into local society while maintaining their connection to their homeland and enhancing ties between the two countries.
Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1973 and launched a strategic partnership framework in agriculture in 2018. In recent years, bilateral ties have flourished across multiple sectors.
In political and diplomatic spheres, the two countries have consistently demonstrated mutual trust through regular high-level visits, efficient cooperation mechanisms, and close coordination in multilateral forums.
Notably, in October 2023, Belgium's Chamber of Representatives became the first European parliamentary body to pass a resolution supporting Vietnamese Agent Orange victims. This landmark resolution reflects Belgium's strong friendship with Vietnam and raises international awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by these victims.
In economic relations, Belgium is Vietnam's sixth-largest export market in Europe, while Vietnam is Belgium's top ASEAN trading partner. Bilateral trade in 2024 reached 4.45 billion USD, and Belgium currently has 100 investment projects in Vietnam, valued at 1.1 billion USD, spanning transport, logistics, and renewable energy sectors.
Belgium's Port of Antwerp-Zeebrugge serves as a crucial gateway for Vietnamese exports to Europe, playing a vital role in Vietnam's ambitious economic growth objectives.
As strategic partners in agriculture, the two countries have implemented various technical cooperation programmes, linking agricultural universities and research institutes. They have also collaborated to develop a waterway logistics network to boost Vietnam's agricultural exports to Europe, promote smart cold chain logistics, and enhance cacao industry development and food safety standards.
Cooperation has also flourished in fields such as defence and security, science and technology, innovation, culture, education, and local partnerships. Both nations have established cooperation in mine clearance, military medicine, and military science and technology while also facilitating military cadet training. Efforts are underway to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, and the semiconductor industry.
Cultural exchanges remain vibrant, with frequent artistic performances, exhibitions, film weeks, and joint language and research projects. Each year, Belgium grants 40 postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese students, further enhancing educational cooperation. Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Can Tho have formed strong partnerships with Belgium's regions.
Deputy Minister Hang expressed her optimism that the upcoming visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be a significant success, delivering positive outcomes that further cement bilateral cooperation. The visit is expected to open a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations, fulfilling the aspirations of both peoples and contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development./.
