King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium recently completed a significant three-day state visit to Vietnam, marking over 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Invited by President Luong Cuong and his wife, Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, the royal couple's itinerary included visits to Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh City, engaging with the Vietnamese population in various settings, including a bakery school and a hospital.
On their final day, April 3, 2025, the King and Queen visited the Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, a striking seven-story Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City. In front of this iconic structure, the couple posed for photographers, showcasing a rare moment of tenderness that highlighted their close bond. This affectionate display echoed a similar moment from their previous state visit to France, where they were photographed hand in hand on the Alexandre III Bridge.
The visit was not only a ceremonial affair but also a vital step in strengthening the ties between Belgium and Vietnam. According to Le Thi Thu Hang, the Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, "the royal couple's visit is special and important for relations between the two countries. It marks a historic milestone in the new phase of development of our ties, with heightened political trust and more substantial cooperation."
Prior to this visit, King Philippe had made three trips to Vietnam, while Queen Mathilde had visited in May 2023 as the honorary president of UNICEF Belgium. Their deep connection to the Southeast Asian nation reflects a commitment to fostering bilateral relations.
During their stay, the royal couple participated in various activities, including laying flowers at the mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh and visiting the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi. They were welcomed by President Luong Cuong, who hosted a state reception for them. Meetings with other high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, further underscored the significance of this visit.
In addition to their engagements, the royal couple took time to visit cultural and economic sites across Vietnam, enhancing their understanding of the country's rich heritage and contemporary challenges. Their presence is seen as a boost to Belgium's diplomatic efforts in the region.
Amidst their visit, Vietnam has also been active on the international stage, participating in humanitarian efforts following a recent earthquake in Myanmar. On March 30, 2025, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense organized a mission to send rescue troops to assist in recovery efforts, demonstrating Vietnam's commitment to regional solidarity.
As part of the ongoing international dialogue, the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit was held in France on March 27 and 28, 2025. This summit, focused on global nutrition challenges, saw the participation of King Letsie III of Lesotho, who met with French President Emmanuel Macron. During this meeting, Macron emphasized the importance of international aid, indirectly addressing the recent cuts to U.S. humanitarian assistance. The dialogue highlighted the pressing need for global cooperation in addressing food insecurity.
As the royal couple concluded their visit, they left behind a legacy of goodwill and strengthened diplomatic ties. Their engagements in Vietnam not only celebrated the historical relationship between the two nations but also set the stage for future collaboration in various sectors, including education, health, and economic development.
In the broader context of Vietnam's political landscape, the Central Military Commission convened its 13th conference on April 2, 2025, to discuss the organization of local military forces. This initiative aims to establish a "refined, compact, and strong" military structure to meet contemporary challenges, highlighting Vietnam's commitment to national security and defense.
Furthermore, the Government Inspectorate announced the conclusion of an inspection regarding the investment projects for new facilities at Bach Mai Hospital and Viet Duc Friendship Hospital on March 31, 2025. The inspection revealed systematic violations during the implementation of these projects, leading to significant waste and inefficiency in public resource management.
In health initiatives, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health reported that by April 3, 2025, 53 out of 54 provinces had launched a measles vaccination campaign, achieving a 95.2% coverage rate among the targeted population. This effort underscores Vietnam's commitment to public health and community immunity.
The state visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Belgium and Vietnam. It highlights the importance of diplomacy in fostering international relationships that benefit both nations. As they return to Belgium, the royal couple leaves behind a strengthened partnership, with hopes for continued collaboration in addressing shared global challenges.
