President Luong Cuong and his spouse, Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, welcomed King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium on a visit to the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi at noon today.

The historic site, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, offered a meaningful opportunity to share Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage with the Belgian royals.

Located in the heart of Hanoi, the citadel complex reflects the layered history of Vietnam’s capital, with structures built over successive dynasties. In 2010, UNESCO officially recognized the central sector of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

The tour aimed to introduce King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to the vibrant history, culture, and hospitality of the Vietnamese people - laying a foundation to strengthen people-to-people diplomacy and expand cooperation in other sectors.

During the visit, the delegation passed through Doan Mon Gate to view the archaeological excavation pit and the stone dragon steps of Kinh Thien Palace, both of which contain important historical remains from various Vietnamese dynasties.

They also visited the Imperial Treasures Exhibition House, which displays nationally recognized artifacts, including precious metalworks and high-quality ceramics once crafted by the royal kilns of Thang Long for the court’s use.

The President and his spouse, along with the royal guests, were introduced to Vietnam’s millennia-old history through carefully preserved and displayed relics at the heritage site. The delegation received detailed commentary on the Kinh Thien Palace site - where imperial rituals were held, foreign envoys welcomed, and important national decisions were made by the royal court.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde expressed their admiration for the deep cultural and historical significance of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage as a shared responsibility of all nations.

Earlier in the day, the Queen visited the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site

Prior to the citadel tour, following the official welcoming ceremony, First Lady Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet accompanied Queen Mathilde on a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace grounds.

Queen Mathilde learned about the stilt house where President Ho Chi Minh once lived and welcomed international guests. The visit concluded with the First Lady and Queen feeding fish in Uncle Ho’s pond. Strolling along a shaded mango-tree-lined path, Mrs. Minh Nguyet offered an overview of the historical complex to the Belgian Queen.

Tran Thuong - Pham Hai