Hanoi, April 01, 2025 – The Europe Today: On Tuesday, State President Lương Cường and his spouse hosted a ceremonial welcome for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who are on a state visit to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4. This visit marks a significant milestone as it is the first state visit in over 50 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations.
The visit represents a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral ties and signals the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between the nations, with enhanced political trust and more meaningful and effective collaboration. The King and Queen’s visit also highlights their strong connection to Vietnam, as they have previously visited the country on multiple occasions in different capacities.
Following the ceremony, President Lương Cường and King Philippe held both private and official meetings to review the existing cooperation and explore future areas for collaboration. They are also expected to witness the signing of cooperation documents.
Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations on March 22, 1973, shortly after the signing of the Paris Agreement, and the Vietnamese government has always valued Belgium’s support in the post-war reconstruction efforts. Over the last five decades, the two countries have deepened their ties in various sectors including politics, diplomacy, trade, agriculture, education, and scientific research.
Belgium has played a crucial role in Vietnam’s economic development, contributing significantly through development cooperation programs. Both countries have worked closely together at international forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN-EU frameworks, and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
In the economic sphere, Belgium is Vietnam’s sixth-largest trading partner within the European Union, with trade turnover growing sharply from $1.8 billion in 2013 to $4.45 billion in 2024. As of January 2025, Belgium has 99 valid investment projects worth $1.06 billion in Vietnam, ranking 25th among Vietnam’s foreign investors.
The state visit by the Belgian King and Queen is expected to yield tangible results, advancing bilateral relations and opening a new chapter for cooperation that will further contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and development.
