This is the first State visit of the Belgian King and Queen to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973. However, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have previously visited Vietnam in different capacities.

Accompanying the King and Queen on this visit is a high-level delegation of nearly 150 members, including five ministers and numerous CEOs from leading Belgian and EU corporations in logistics, port operations, energy transition, healthcare, and food industries.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde marks a significant historical milestone in the more than 50-year diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Belgium. The event also underscores Belgium’s high regard for Vietnam, especially considering that the Belgian King has rarely undertaken visits outside Europe this year.

Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Karl Van den Bossche stated that in recent years, Vietnam-Belgium relations have made significant progress, transitioning from development cooperation to an equal partnership that share mutual benefits, and jointly addresses global challenges. It is expected that several important projects between the two countries will be signed during the King and Queen’s visit to Vietnam.

Currently, Belgium is Vietnam’s sixth largest trading partner within the EU. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached US$4.45 billion, with major exports including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, equipment, and high-tech products. In addition, Belgium’s Antwerp-Zeebrugge port, the largest in Europe, has played a crucial role in enhancing Vietnam’s import-export connectivity with the region.

By the end of 2024, Belgium had 100 active investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$1.1 billion, spanning 16 provinces and cities. Conversely, Vietnam had four investment projects in Belgium, totaling US$12.6 million, primarily in the processing and manufacturing industries.

During the March 28-April 4 visit, the King and Queen are scheduled to attend an official welcoming ceremony and hold talks with President Luong Cuong, meet with other senior Vietnamese leaders and participate in key activities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Belgian King, Queen's Vietnam visit to usher in a new era of ties

The visit underscores Vietnam's steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and proactive international integration. It also reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with Belgium, a key partner within the European Union.