This is the first time Minister Leterme has visited Vietnam since he was appointed as Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs in July.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries and put forth measures to promote cooperation in such fields as policies, economics, trade, and investment as well as discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern.

Over recent times, Vietnam-Belgium relations have developed well and both countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits.

Vietnam is now the only nation, which receives official development aid from the Belgian Government. Both countries are preparing for the Vietnam-Belgium Joint Committee meeting, which will be held in 2010.

Vietnam-Belgium trade reached US$1.4 billion last year and Belgium has become Vietnam’s fourth largest importer from the European Union.