Copenhagen, October 20, 2026 – The Europe Today: Vietnam and Denmark have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across strategic sectors as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam expressed confidence that relations between the two nations would continue to grow stronger, broader and more substantive, based on mutual trust and respect, contributing to peace, cooperation and prosperity.
He made the remarks while attending a state banquet hosted by King Frederik X and Queen Mary at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Monday evening during his state visit to Denmark.
Welcoming To Lam, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, King Frederik X expressed his pleasure at hosting the Vietnamese leader and highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The Danish monarch recalled his family’s special connection with Vietnam, noting that Prince Henrik, the late husband of Queen Margrethe II, had spent a considerable period living and studying in Hanoi. He also expressed his own affection for Vietnam and its people.
King Frederik X praised Vietnam’s rapid development, describing the country as an increasingly attractive destination for investors, including Danish businesses. He also noted that growing numbers of Danish citizens, particularly young people, were travelling to Vietnam to explore its culture and opportunities.
Recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, when Vietnam was still experiencing the devastating effects of war, the King noted that Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish formal ties with the Southeast Asian nation.
He said bilateral relations had developed considerably since then, creating opportunities for further cooperation by combining the strengths of both countries.
Denmark’s expertise in energy efficiency, renewable energy, maritime affairs and modern ocean governance had already contributed to cooperation with Vietnam, while significant potential remained for expanding collaboration in these areas, he added.
King Frederik X also highlighted Vietnam’s dynamic economy, young workforce and ambitions to build a strong, prosperous and sustainable nation. He noted that science, technology, innovation and digital transformation were important to Vietnam’s aspirations to become a strong maritime country.
He expressed confidence that To Lam’s visit would consolidate the longstanding friendship and provide fresh momentum to the bilateral partnership.
In his response, To Lam thanked King Frederik X, Queen Mary, the Danish Royal Family, the Danish Government and people for their warm welcome and hospitality towards the Vietnamese delegation.
He described the visit, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as particularly meaningful, recalling Denmark’s longstanding friendship and sincere support for Vietnam over more than five decades.
The Vietnamese leader said his discussions with the Danish monarch and other Danish leaders had provided an opportunity to exchange views, share visions and identify new avenues for cooperation.
“For the Vietnamese people, Denmark has always been a sincere, steadfast, and generous friend,” To Lam said, expressing appreciation for Denmark’s support during Vietnam’s difficult periods and its contributions to the country’s reconstruction and development.
He also highlighted the important role of the Danish Royal Family in promoting bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as green transition, sustainable development, environmental protection and ocean conservation.
To Lam reaffirmed that Vietnam regarded Denmark as an important friend and partner in its new phase of development, expressing his country’s desire to expand cooperation in strategic sectors of mutual interest.
He also emphasised the importance of continued coordination between the two countries at the United Nations, through cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU), and in other multilateral forums.
Both countries, he said, would continue to support multilateralism and respect international law while working together to address shared challenges.
Concluding his remarks, To Lam expressed hope that the Danish Royal Family, political leaders, academics, experts and business community would continue working alongside Vietnam to open new opportunities for cooperation and write further chapters in the enduring partnership between the two nations.
