The upcoming official visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium to Vietnam is set to strengthen ties between the two nations, showcasing a longstanding relationship that dates back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973. The visit, scheduled from March 31 to April 4, 2025, will include 34 leading CEOs from Europe, emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation and strategic partnerships.
According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, this visit is not just ceremonial; it represents a significant commitment by Belgium to enhance its collaboration with Vietnam. "This official visit is of great importance to the relationship between the two countries," she stated, highlighting the special affection the Belgian monarchy has for Vietnam.
In her remarks to the press, Hang noted that Belgium has been one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1973, and it opened its embassy in Hanoi two years later. The ongoing relationship has evolved into a partnership characterized by numerous Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects aimed at sustainable development.
During their time in Vietnam, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will engage in discussions that aim to elevate bilateral relations to new heights. The Deputy Minister emphasized that the visit reaffirms both countries' aspirations and commitments to enhance their bilateral relationship, which is expected to foster greater political trust and cooperation in various sectors, especially in trade, investment, and agriculture.
Furthermore, the visit will serve as a platform for both nations to deepen their strategic partnership established in 2018, focusing on agriculture. This partnership is crucial as both countries explore new avenues for cooperation in areas where Belgium has strengths and Vietnam has needs.
The royal couple's itinerary will also include meetings with leaders from top Belgian companies and universities, showcasing Belgium's commitment to working with Vietnam in various fields, including logistics, energy transition, climate change response, healthcare, and food security. Hang noted, "This demonstrates Belgium's desire to work with Vietnam to strengthen existing cooperation while seeking and exploring new opportunities in potential areas."
King Philippe has a personal history with Vietnam, having visited the country in 1993, 2003, and 2012 during his time as Crown Prince. Queen Mathilde, who visited Vietnam in 2015 as the Princess of Belgium, returned in 2023 as the Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium, advocating for children's rights.
The visit is particularly significant given the backdrop of increasing comprehensive cooperation between Belgium and Vietnam. As both countries navigate the complexities of global relations, the royal visit is expected to reinforce their commitment to mutual support and partnership.
As Belgium seeks to expand its influence and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, this visit is a clear signal of its respect for Vietnam's role and position. The royal couple's presence, along with the accompanying business delegation, underscores the importance of economic ties and the potential for future collaboration.
The visit comes at a time when Vietnam is actively seeking to enhance its international partnerships, particularly in the context of sustainable development and economic growth. With Belgium's experience and support, Vietnam aims to address various developmental challenges while fostering a more robust economic landscape.
In conclusion, the upcoming royal visit from Belgium is not just a diplomatic formality; it represents a deepening relationship that promises to bring tangible benefits to both nations. As the two countries prepare for this significant event, the anticipation of strengthened ties and collaborative opportunities is palpable.
