President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Photo: VNA) 
The official visits by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam to the European Union (EU) and Belgium reaffirmed Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification in a new era – that of nation’s rise.
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man inspected key projects, including the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, provincial road DT.975, the first section of the urban railway, APEC Boulevard and the APEC Convention Centre.
The visits hold a great significance, reflecting Vietnam’s high regard for its European partners as well as their respect for Vietnam. They also help consolidate Vietnam’s foreign relations, expand its network of trusted partners, and strengthen the country’s ties with Europe at both bilateral and regional levels.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam sent a congratulatory message to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on October 25 on the occasion of Kazakhstan’s Republic Day.
During the official visit to the EU, General Secretary and President Lam held talks with European Council President Costa and met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among other engagements. At the meetings, both sides welcomed the positive momentum in Vietnam-EU relations, particularly since the two sides upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Belgium inform that the two sides have agreed on the Joint Statement on the outcome of the official visit to the Kingdom of Belgium from October 23-24 by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, at the invitation of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said Vietnam wishes to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation with political parties in Europe, including the PTB.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam urged experts and intellectuals to proactively sign up for tasks tied to the country’s major challenges and strategic technologies.
On a proposal to drop concentrated residential areas and water sources used for daily life from the list of environmentally sensitive factors, he said issues directly tied to public health can’t simply be streamlined. Environmental legislation is meant to improve quality of life, noting persistent concerns over household and hospital waste, water pollution and air quality.
After touring the library, the Vietnamese leader and his spouse presented a publication featuring excerpts from the Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks, recognised by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage, along with books introducing Vietnam’s history, culture, land and people.
Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, praised the hospital’s approach after hearing from doctors and seeing it firsthand, noting that nurturing children’s emotional well-being and psychological resilience is treated as no less important than medical care.
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, in group discussions, set out three principles of making it as easy as possible for lawful investors without loosening legal discipline, giving officials more room to act without blurring lines of authority, and expanding targeted incentives and support while keeping resources under control and results measurable.
Following the commemorative ceremony, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the delegation strolled along the ancient town’s streets, visited several cultural and historical sites, and enjoyed artistic performances held in their honour.
Czech Ambassador to Vietnam Lukas Kaucky commended the friendship association's people-to-people diplomatic activities, which have helped strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his hope that from this hall at the Egmont Institute, European policymakers and scholars will come to see Vietnam as a “trusted partner” and a “strategic link” connecting the continents of Asia and Europe.
The host leaders described the Belgian House of Representatives' approval of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) as tangible evidence of the two countries’ determination and potential to expand economic, trade and investment cooperation.
Discussing future orientations, General Secretary and President Lam suggested that the government of the Wallonia region support the early elevation of Vietnam–Belgium ties to a Strategic Partnership.
The top leader called on Flanders to support the early elevation of Vietnam–Belgium relations to a strategic partnership, take a pioneering role in promoting economic cooperation, encourage businesses to expand investment in Vietnam, and back the completion of ratification and effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
The two sides agreed to further strengthen political trust, maintain exchanges and better understand each other’s concerns and needs, with a view to expanding cooperation and elevating ties to a new level.
General Secretary and President To Lam described the Vietnam–Belgium relationship as the most vivid testament to the depth of the Vietnam–EU partnership, proposing several areas for breakthrough strategic cooperation in the coming period.
