This visit marks the first state visit in over 50 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations. It serves as a key milestone for bilateral ties, ushering them into a new stage of development with stronger political trust and more substantive and effective cooperation.

The visit also demonstrates the King and Queen’s special affection for Vietnam, as they have previously visited the country several times in different capacities.

Vietnam and Belgium officially established diplomatic relations on March 22, 1973, just two months after the Paris Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Vietnam was signed. Vietnam has always remembered the wholehearted support from the Belgian government and people during its post-war reconstruction efforts.

Over the past five decades, bilateral relations have been continuously strengthened, developing across a variety of fields, including politics, diplomacy, trade, agriculture, education, science and technology, and development cooperation at federal, regional, and community levels.

Belgium consistently values its ties with Vietnam, appreciating the country’s economic progress, and serves as a key international partner in Vietnam’s success through development cooperation programs. The two nations have also actively collaborated at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework.

Political and diplomatic relations have grown strongly and substantially at the federal, regional, and community levels, as evidenced by numerous high-level reciprocal visits.

Since 2003, the Belgian government has provided approximately 40 postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese students in areas where Belgium excels, such as port management, environment, and tourism. Additionally, art troupe exchanges, exhibitions, and film festivals have been organized regularly in both countries.

Bilateral trade and economic relations have also grown and flourished. Belgium is currently Vietnam’s sixth-largest trading partner in the EU. Their trade turnover has surged from US$1.8 billion in 2013 to US$4.45 billion in 2024.

As of January 2025, Belgium had 99 valid investment projects in Vietnam, valued at US$1.06 billion, ranking 25th among the 149 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian nation.

With a solid foundation of cooperation, political will from both nations’ leaders, and the shared aspirations of their peoples, the state visit by the Belgian King and Queen is expected to yield tangible outcomes, further enhancing bilateral collaboration and opening a new chapter in their relations, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development.

After the welcome ceremony, President Luong Cuong and King Philippe held a brief meeting, followed by a formal discussion to assess recent cooperation and propose directions for future collaboration. The two leaders are also set to witness the signing of cooperation documents.

Belgium, Vietnam enhance parliamentary cooperation

VOV.VN - A delegation of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee led by its member and Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh paid a working visit to Belgium from December 4-7, with a view to fostering and deepening the bilateral friendship.