Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung described General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam’s visits to Denmark, the European Union and Belgium as successful. At the invitation of the partners’ leaders, To Lam, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation visited Denmark, the EU and Belgium from October 19–24.
The visits strengthened political trust and Vietnam’s relations with Europe. Denmark regards Vietnam as a leading partner and a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. The sides highlighted green and sustainable development, including smart seaports, renewable energy and new growth drivers. They agreed to upgrade bilateral ties with Denmark to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Discussions with EU leaders strengthened mutual understanding and created new cooperation frameworks. Cooperation is expanding to joint research, technology application, co-created products and value chains. The sides discussed critical raw materials, strategic infrastructure, the circular and marine economies, Global Gateway, JETP and Horizon Europe.
Belgium ratified the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, and the two sides agreed on a vision of upgrading bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. European companies presented projects and investment proposals in Vietnam worth around 20 billion EUR, or over 22.4 billion USD.
The sides will use the EVFTA more effectively, advance investment-protection ratification and seek removal of the EU yellow-card warning over illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Action plans will set responsibilities, timelines, resources and results, with priorities including energy transition, offshore wind, ports, green logistics, strategic technologies and workforce training.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
