Bringing the relationship between Vietnam and the Kingdom of Belgium to a new chapter of development

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, the State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Belgium is a special visit of great significance to the relationship between the two countries.

This is the first State visit after more than 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, especially in the context of Vietnam entering a new era; an important historical milestone, bringing the relationship between the two countries into a new stage of development, with higher political trust, and more substantial and effective cooperation.

Vietnam-Kingdom of Belgium bilateral relations are constantly strengthened and developed.

Vietnam and the Kingdom of Belgium officially established diplomatic relations on March 22, 1973, just two months after the Paris Agreement was signed. Vietnam always remembers the wholehearted assistance of the Belgian Government and people for the program of national reconstruction and recovery after the war.

Over the past 50 years, the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the Kingdom of Belgium has been continuously strengthened and developed well in all fields, especially politics-diplomacy, trade, agriculture, education and training, science-technology cooperation, development cooperation... at the federal, regional and community levels.

King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde. (Source: The Week)

Belgium always attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam, highly values ​​Vietnam's economic development and is an international partner that actively contributes to Vietnam's success through development cooperation programs. The two sides actively coordinate in multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and within the framework of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and ASEAN-EU.

The political-diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Belgium have developed positively, diversely and substantially at the federal, regional and community levels, as demonstrated by many high-level visits. The Vietnamese side recently visited Belgium by: National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, who officially visited the European Parliament and the Kingdom of Belgium (December 2011); General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who officially visited the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union (January 2013); National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who visited and worked with him (March 2019); Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who had an online phone call with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (August 25, 2021); Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who paid an official visit (December 2022); Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, who attended the Global Gateway Forum organized by the European Union (EU) in Brussels (Belgium) (October 2023); Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man visited and worked in Belgium (November 2023); Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son visited and worked (February 2024); General Secretary and President To Lam met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on the occasion of attending the 19th Francophone Summit in Paris (France) (October 2024)...

On the occasion of attending the 19th Francophone Summit in Paris (France), on the morning of October 5, 2024, General Secretary and President To Lam met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

On the Belgian side, there were visits to Vietnam by: Crown Prince of Belgium Philippe (1994, 2003 and 2012); President of the Chamber of Deputies Patrick Dewael (April 2010); President of the Parliament of the French-speaking Community of Belgium (Wallonie-Bruxelles) Jean-Charles Luperto (February 2012); President of the French-speaking Community and President of the Walloon Region Rudy Demotte (April 2013), President of the Belgian Senate Christine Defraigne (November 2015); Minister-President of the French-speaking Community of Belgium Rudy Demotte (September 2016); State Secretary for Foreign Trade Pieter de Crem (October 2017); Secretary General of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Europe Dirk Achten (November 2017); Minister of Agriculture Denis Ducarme (February 2018); President of the Flanders Region Geert Bourgeois (May 2018); President of Wallonia-Bruxelles Pierre-Yves Jeholet (October 2022); Queen Mathilde of Belgium visits and works in Vietnam as Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium (May 2023); President of the Belgian Senate Stéphanie D'Hose pays an official visit to Vietnam (August 2023); Minister-President of the Government and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Information Technology and Infrastructure Management of the Flanders Region (Kingdom of Belgium) Jan Jambon (September 2023); Minister of State, former President of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium André Flahaut (May 2024)...

Most recently, on the occasion of attending the 19th Francophone Summit in Paris (France), General Secretary and President To Lam, now General Secretary To Lam, met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (October 5, 2024).

In addition, in 2023, the two countries solemnly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (March 22, 1973 - March 22, 2023) with many rich and meaningful activities to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the two countries and strengthen the Vietnam-Belgium cooperative relationship.

The two countries have effectively implemented cooperation frameworks and mechanisms, including the Joint Economic Committee (established in 2011, meeting every two years and rotating in Hanoi and Brussels); the Vietnam-Wallonie-Bruxelles Standing Joint Committee; the regular political consultation at the Deputy Foreign Minister level (started in October 2013, has met 4 times in Vietnam and Belgium in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2022); the Joint Committee on Science and Technology.

The two countries also strengthened cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organizations, especially at the United Nations, ASEM, Francophonie, ASEAN-EU, etc. and agreed to closely coordinate on regional and global issues in the coming time.

Economic-trade-investment cooperation takes place vigorously

Economic-trade-investment cooperation between the two countries has been vibrant with many positive results. Belgium is Vietnam's 6th largest export market in Europe. Vietnam is Belgium's largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Trade turnover between the two countries increased rapidly, from 1.8 billion USD in 2013 to nearly 2.8 billion USD in 2020. In 2021, two-way trade increased sharply by 53.8% compared to 2020, reaching 4.29 billion USD; in 2022, it reached 4.7 billion USD; in 2023, it reached 3.8 billion USD; in 2024, it reached 4.45 billion USD; in the first 2 months of 2025, it reached 585.7 million USD.

Vietnam and Belgium established the Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation in 2011. Belgium is not only one of the countries actively promoting the signing and ratification of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), but also a country that always takes the lead in implementing the EVFTA for the benefit of both sides, as well as for the common interests in the relationship between Vietnam and the European Union (EU).

Belgium was also the first country to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). These factors have created important momentum to promote relations between Vietnam and the EU as well as between Vietnam and Belgium in economic and strategic terms.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds talks with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Brussels, December 13, 2022). (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Belgium currently has 100 investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of 1.1 billion USD in the fields of maritime transport, logistics services and renewable energy, ranking 23rd out of 139 countries and territories investing in Vietnam and 6th out of 27 EU member states investing in Vietnam.

Notably, Belgium's Antwerp-Zeebrugge port is the largest port in Europe, contributing to increasing Vietnam's import and export to the region through connections and trade activities, serving Vietnam's goal of achieving GDP growth of over 8% in 2025.

In the opposite direction, Vietnamese enterprises invested in the Kingdom of Belgium in 4 projects with a total investment capital of 12.6 million USD in the field of processing and manufacturing industry.

As Strategic Partners in agriculture, the two countries have actively implemented many technical cooperation programs between agricultural research institutes and schools; developed a waterway logistics system to serve the export of agricultural products from Vietnam to Europe; promoted the implementation of smart cold logistics chains, cooperated in developing the cocoa industry, food safety, etc.

Other areas such as national defense-security, science-technology, innovation, culture, education-training and cooperation between localities have many outstanding highlights.

The two countries established cooperation in mine action, military medicine, military science and technology, exchange and training of military students; sought opportunities to promote cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, innovation, high technology, promoting the startup ecosystem, training high-quality human resources, especially in the semiconductor industry.

Belgian Secretary of State for Cooperation and Development Reginald Mereils and Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc signed a cooperation document on education between the two countries (April 6, 1998). (Photo: Kim Hung/VNA)

The two sides regularly exchange art troupes, organize exhibitions, film weeks, coordinate many language projects, improve scientific research capacity, train human resources, etc. Every year, the Belgian Government grants 40 postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese students through cooperation programs between universities and research institutes.

Vietnamese localities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Can Tho... currently have many cooperations with regions, communities, and localities of Belgium such as Wallonie-Bruxelles, Flanders, Liege, Namur...

The Vietnamese community in Belgium currently has about 13,000 people, with a spirit of solidarity, mutual assistance, a focus on the Fatherland and active integration with the local community, and is highly appreciated by authorities at all levels in Belgium.

Taking Vietnam-Kingdom of Belgium bilateral relations to new heights

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, the State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Belgium has four highlights.

Firstly, the visit demonstrates the special affection of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde for Vietnam. Previously, both the King and Queen had visited Vietnam many times in different positions and left many impressions.

On December 4, 1994, Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium visited Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province. (Photo: Kim Hung/VNA)

Although this is the first State visit to Vietnam, for the King and Queen, it is essentially a "return" to Vietnam, a return to the land where the King and Queen had many memories and feelings during previous visits.

Although this is the first State visit to Vietnam, for the King and Queen, it is essentially a "return" to Vietnam.

Second, welcoming the King and Queen of Belgium to visit Vietnam is a vivid demonstration of Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations for peace, friendship, cooperation and development, proactive and active international integration, being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community; demonstrating Vietnam's respect for Belgium, an important partner of Vietnam in the European Union.

On the Belgian side, the King and Queen's State visit to Vietnam, in the context that the Belgian King rarely makes official trips to countries outside of Europe during the year, has shown Belgium's special respect for Vietnam and Vietnam's role and position in the Asia-Pacific region.

Queen Mathilde of the Kingdom of Belgium, Honorary President of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Belgium with children in the mountainous area of ​​Lao Cai (May 11, 2023). (Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA)

Third, the visit affirms the desire and determination of both sides to bring bilateral relations to new heights, further increase political trust, and promote cooperation in many fields, especially economics, trade and investment - an important pillar in bilateral relations.

The visit also continues to deepen the Vietnam-Belgium Strategic Partnership on Agriculture established by the two countries in 2018, while expanding cooperation in other priority and potential areas such as education-training, science-technology, culture-arts.

It is expected that the King and Queen of Belgium will be accompanied by 34 CEOs of leading Belgian and EU corporations and enterprises in the fields of logistics services, seaports, energy transition, climate change response, healthcare, food, etc., and 16 leaders of leading Belgian universities and research institutes. This demonstrates Belgium's desire to work with Vietnam to consolidate existing cooperation foundations, while seeking and exploring new cooperation opportunities in potential areas where Belgium has strengths and Vietnam has needs.

It is expected that the King and Queen of Belgium will be accompanied on this visit by 34 CEOs of leading corporations and large enterprises in Belgium and the EU.

Fourthly, through the visit, Vietnam continues to request the Belgian side to pay attention to and create favorable conditions for the 13,000 Vietnamese community in Belgium to live, study and do business in the country, promote the spirit of solidarity, turn towards the Fatherland, actively integrate into Belgian society, act as a bridge, increase understanding between the people of the two countries, and contribute to the development of Vietnam-Belgium relations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang believes that with the existing good foundation of cooperation, together with the trust and political will of the leaders of the two countries and the wishes of the people of Vietnam and Belgium, the visit of the King and Queen of Belgium to Vietnam will be a great success, achieving many positive results, contributing to further promoting cooperation between the two countries, bringing the Vietnam-Belgium relationship to a new chapter of development, meeting the aspirations of the people, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade of Wallonia, Mr. Willy Borsus, visited the cancer treatment machinery manufacturing plant of IBA Company (specializing in particle accelerator technology) during the conference on life sciences and health in Vietnam (February 24, 2023). (Photo: Huong Giang/VNA)

Meanwhile, a statement from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said one of the focuses of the visit is to promote cooperation in the field of sustainable development. Belgium wishes to act as an "ambassador of sustainability" in Vietnam, sharing experience and technology in the fields of green economy, renewable energy, environmental management and sustainable urban development.

Belgian businesses are increasingly interested in the Vietnamese market, especially in the fields of biotechnology, healthcare and high-tech agriculture. This visit is an opportunity for businesses from both countries to seek cooperation and investment opportunities.

In addition to economic cooperation and sustainable development, the visit is also an opportunity for Belgium to express its concern about the consequences of the Vietnam War, especially the issue of Agent Orange. The Belgian Royal Family wishes to show solidarity with the victims and contribute to efforts to overcome the consequences of the war.

According to Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Vietnam Karl Van Den Bossche, as a major partner in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an important partner of Belgium.

With a diverse program in Hanoi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City, the visit to Vietnam by His Majesty the King Philippe and the Queen of Belgium offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen and enrich this diverse partnership./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/dua-quan-he-giua-viet-nam-va-vuong-quoc-bi-sang-mot-chuong-phat-trien-moi-post1023523.vnp