(Photo: VNA)

Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1973 and a strategic partnership framework in agriculture in 2018. Over the past years, their friendship and multifaceted cooperation have continued to grow steadily.

Belgium’s special regard for Vietnam

Each year, the Belgian King and Queen undertake only one State visit outside the European Union. In 2025, Vietnam is their destination. The visit reflects the Belgian royal family’s special regard for Vietnam and its growing role and influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

For Vietnam, welcoming the Belgian King and Queen evidences its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralization and diversification of international relations, reaffirming the country’s appreciation for Belgium as a key partner within the EU.

Given the significance of this visit, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of nearly 150 members, including royal family representatives, government officials, and business leaders. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prevot, Minister-President of the Brussels Capital Region Rudi Vervoort, Minister-President of the French-speaking Belgian Community Elisabeth Degryse, Minister-President of Wallonia Adrien Dolimont, and Minister of the Flanders Region Cieltje Van Achter.

The presence of the Governors of Belgium’s three main regions—Flanders (Dutch-speaking), Wallonia (French-speaking), and Brussels (bilingual)—underscores Belgium’s keen interest in strengthening ties with Vietnam.

The delegation also consists of 34 CEOs of Belgian enterprises and 16 representatives of Belgian universities. With such a large and influential delegation, both sides anticipate signing numerous significant agreements and cooperation documents.

Unlocking new opportunities for stronger bilateral ties

The Belgian royal family’s visit underscores their commitment to strengthening and deepening the more than five-decade-long relationship between the two nations. Vietnam's remarkable economic growth as an emerging "Asian tiger" and its rapidly increasing foreign direct investment have drawn the attention of many Belgian enterprises. Currently, Belgium is Vietnam’s sixth-largest export market in Europe, and Vietnam is Belgium’s top trading partner in ASEAN. Last year bilateral trade totaled nearly 4.5 billion USD, with Belgium investing in 100 projects in Vietnam totaling 1.1 billion USD in registered capital, primarily in maritime transport, logistics, and renewable energy.

As Vietnam pursues sustainable development with the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, Belgium has expressed its willingness to collaborate in key areas such as renewable energy, green technology, and smart logistics.

Vietnam and Belgium share a strong commitment to multilateralism and are actively engaged with international organizations such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and the European Union.

As both nations have suffered the impacts of war, they share a deep understanding of and concern about war aftermaths and toxic chemicals left over from the war. Belgium has been helping Vietnam remediate land contaminated by toxic chemicals. During their visit, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will tour the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, visit an exhibition on Agent Orange/dioxin, and meet with victims. These activities are symbolically important and reaffirm Belgium’s long-term commitment to helping Vietnam overcome war aftermaths.

The two countries share a common vision for the future, particularly in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable economic growth, and fostering people-to-people exchanges.

With a comprehensive agenda and promising prospects, the visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde is more than a diplomatic milestone. It paves the way for expanded cooperation in trade, science, education, and culture, ushering in a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations.