Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and his spouse Ngô Phương Ly on Wednesday concluded a state visit to Denmark. During the visit, the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in cooperation.
The Vietnamese high-level delegation departed Copenhagen on Wednesday noon. The visit took place from October 19 to 21, and the delegation then headed to Brussels for official visits to the European Union and Belgium from October 21 to 24.
During the visit, Tô Lâm met King Frederik X and Queen Mary and Danish Parliament Speaker Henrik Frandsen, held talks with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and delivered a policy speech at the University of Copenhagen.
He also met leaders of major Danish corporations, attended the Vietnam–Denmark Business Forum, met with the Denmark–Vietnam Friendship Association, and visited the Lynetteholm artificial peninsula project.
The visit took place as Vietnam and Denmark marked 55 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1971. The two sides confirmed their mutual political trust and their readiness to develop cooperation.
During the talks, the leaders highlighted the development of bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1971, the comprehensive partnership was established in 2013, and the green strategic partnership was launched in 2023.
The leaders agreed to adopt a joint statement establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Denmark. It provides a new political framework for deeper and more effective cooperation for the long-term benefit of both peoples, as well as peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in their regions and globally.
The two sides also agreed to build on their green strategic partnership, making energy transition, the response to climate change and sustainable development long-term strategic priorities.
Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation were identified as new areas of bilateral cooperation. The two sides pledged to strengthen research, application and technology transfer in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, biomedicine, digital technologies and emerging industries.
They also agreed to expand links among universities, research institutes, innovation centres and businesses in the two countries, while developing qualified human resources.
Cooperation in healthcare, the circular economy, smart urban development and climate change adaptation will also be expanded. The two sides also intend to develop cultural, educational and tourism exchanges, local-level cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
The two countries further pledged to strengthen coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and other multilateral forums, uphold multilateralism and respect for international law, and promote substantive and effective ASEAN–EU relations.
During the visit, Tô Lâm witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between ministries, agencies and businesses of the two countries.
A highlight of the state visit was King Frederik X presenting Tô Lâm with the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's highest-ranking honour, awarded to members of royal families and foreign heads of state.
On Wednesday, the Danish king and Queen Mary also hosted a farewell ceremony at Amalienborg Palace for Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and the Vietnamese delegation.
The delegation's next stop is the European Union and Belgium, where further engagements are expected to advance Vietnam's relations with European partners.
Sources: Viet Nam News
