Speaking at the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels on February 10 on the occasion of the lunar New Year festival, Minister Decker explained that Vietnam , with a population of more than 80 million people, is a fast-growing country that has a geographically strategic position in Asia .

Regarding bilateral relations between the two countries, the minister emphasised that Vietnam , which has been Belgium ’s cooperation partner since 1977, would still be Belgium ’s sole partner in Asia .

Vietnam is considered a very important trading and economic partner of Belgium as it has great potential for expansion of bilateral relations, he said adding that future cooperation between the two countries will focus on water resources management and exploration as well as management capacity building.

Mr Decker, who is scheduled to attend the upcoming meeting of the Joint Vietnam-Belgium Cooperation Committee in Hanoi, also said that the Vietnamese community plays an important role in Belgium and serves as a bridge between the Vietnamese and Belgian people.

This is a dynamic community that has integrated itself well with Belgium , while still maintaining its national cultural identity and contributing to the diversification of Belgium ’s culture, he elaborated.

VNA