On the morning of April 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, met with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who are on a state visit to Vietnam.

Welcoming the Belgian royal couple back to Ho Chi Minh City, Secretary Nguyen Van Nen underscored the significance of their visit, the first state visit since Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic ties over 50 years ago. He expressed hope that it will open a new chapter in bilateral relations as a way of boosting deeper and more effective cooperation.

The municipal highly appreciated the Belgian Chamber of Representatives for being the first foreign parliament to adopt a resolution supporting Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange in October 2023. He noted that this decision carries deep humanitarian significance, as the consequences of Agent Orange continue to affect not only Vietnamese victims but also those who used the chemical and their descendants.

He also thanked Queen Mathilde, Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium, for her contributions to healthcare, education, and support for disadvantaged children in Vietnam, including in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, he showed appreciation for Belgium’s assistance during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top municipal leader affirmed the city's willingness to cooperation with Belgian localities and partners in key areas such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, and science and technology. He emphasized the importance of transforming these potential areas into concrete projects that will further Vietnam-Belgium ties and signify the Belgian royal family’s special connection with the Vietnamese people.

Thanking Ho Chi Minh City’s leaders and residents for their warm welcome, King Philippe said he was pleased to witness the city’s dynamic growth since his first visit in 1994. Given the current unpredictable global landscape, he stressed the need for even stronger solidarity and cooperation between Belgium and Vietnam.

He noted that the Belgian businesses accompanying the delegation aim not only to explore economic opportunities but also to support social initiatives, such as assisting underprivileged children. Specifically in Ho Chi Minh City, Belgium plans to expand social projects that go beyond investment to deliver practical benefits to local communities, thereby further strengthening bilateral ties. Furthermore, Belgium seeks to beef up cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors where it has strong expertise.

During their stay in Ho Chi Minh City, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will visit the War Remnants Museum, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and engage in other activities.

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