This will be the first state visit since diplomatic ties were established over 50 years ago, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation as Vietnam enters a new era of development.

A historic visit with deep connections

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, the visit underscores the special affection that King Philippe and Queen Mathilde hold for Vietnam. Both the King and Queen have visited the country several times in the past, leaving lasting impressions.

King Philippe previously visited Vietnam three times as Crown Prince in 1994, 2003, and 2012. Queen Mathilde also visited three times, twice as Princess in 2003 and 2012, and once in 2023 as Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium.

“Although this is the first state visit to Vietnam, for the King and Queen, it is truly a ‘return’ to a land filled with cherished memories and warm sentiments,” said Deputy Minister Hang.

King Philippe rarely makes official visits outside Europe, emphasizing Belgium’s special regard for Vietnam’s role and position in the Asia-Pacific region. The visit is seen as a commitment to elevating bilateral relations, deepening the Strategic Agricultural Partnership established between the two countries, and exploring new areas of collaboration.

Deputy Minister Hang revealed that accompanying the King and Queen will be 34 CEOs from leading Belgian and EU enterprises involved in logistics, port management, energy transition, climate response, healthcare, and food industries. Additionally, 16 heads of top Belgian universities and research institutes will join the delegation.

Growing economic and strategic cooperation

Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1973 and forged a Strategic Agricultural Partnership in 2018. Since then, bilateral relations have developed robustly across various fields. Politically, both sides have demonstrated mutual trust through regular exchanges and close coordination at international forums.

Notably, King Philippe was one of the first world leaders to send a congratulatory message to President Luong Cuong upon his election. In October 2023, the Belgian House of Representatives became the first European parliament to adopt a resolution supporting victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam, reflecting the unique friendship between the two peoples.

Economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium has been vibrant. Belgium ranks as Vietnam’s sixth-largest export market in Europe, while Vietnam is Belgium’s largest trading partner within ASEAN. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached $4.45 billion.

Belgium currently has 100 investment projects in Vietnam with total registered capital of $1.1 billion, focusing on maritime transport, logistics services, and renewable energy. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe’s largest port, plays a vital role in boosting Vietnam’s import-export activities through trade connections.

As a Strategic Agricultural Partner, Belgium collaborates with Vietnam on research, logistics development, agricultural exports, cocoa industry advancement, and food safety. Cooperation also spans defense, security, science, technology, green innovation, education, and local partnerships.

Many Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thua Thien Hue, and Can Tho, maintain strong ties with Belgian regions such as Wallonia-Brussels, Flanders, Liege, and Namur.

Deputy Minister Hang expressed confidence that the visit will be a great success, strengthening cooperation and opening a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations.

Tran Thuong