The delegation was welcome at the Noi Bai International Airport by Vice Chairwoman of the State President’s Office Phan Thi Kim Oanh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao.

Belgian King Philippe (L) and Queen Mathilde are welcomed at the Noi Bai International Airport on March 31.

This visit, the first of its kind in over five decades since diplomatic ties were established, takes place in the context of Vietnam is entering a new phase of development, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said in an interview with the press on the trip and the relations between the two countries.

According to the diplomat, the visit reflects King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's deep affection for Vietnam. While this is their first visit in an official capacity, it is also a meaningful return to a country where they have fond memories from previous visits.

It underscores Vietnam's steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and proactive international integration. It also reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with Belgium, a key partner within the European Union.

The visit is expected to boost political trust and expand collaboration in key areas, notably trade, investment, and agriculture.

It will reinforce the Vietnam-Belgium Strategic Partnership in Agriculture, established in 2018, while advancing cooperation in education, science-technology, and cultural exchanges.

Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1973 and launched a strategic partnership framework in agriculture in 2018. In recent years, bilateral ties have flourished across multiple sectors.

In political and diplomatic spheres, the two countries have consistently demonstrated mutual trust through regular high-level visits, efficient cooperation mechanisms, and close coordination in multilateral forums.

Notably, in October 2023, Belgium's Chamber of Representatives became the first European parliamentary body to pass a resolution supporting Vietnamese Agent Orange victims.

This landmark resolution reflects Belgium's strong friendship with Vietnam and raises international awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by these victims.

In economic relations, Belgium is Vietnam's sixth-largest export market in Europe, while Vietnam is Belgium's top ASEAN trading partner.

Bilateral trade in 2024 reached 4.45 billion USD, and Belgium currently has 100 investment projects in Vietnam, valued at 1.1 billion USD, spanning transport, logistics, and renewable energy sectors.

Hang expressed her optimism that the upcoming visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be a significant success, delivering positive outcomes that further cement bilateral cooperation.

The visit is expected to open a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations, fulfilling the aspirations of both peoples and contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development.

Meanwhile, Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Karl Van den Bossche told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that the visit reaffirms Vietnam’s role as a trusted and stable partner amid global uncertainties and underscores the need for close collaboration among Belgium, Vietnam, ASEAN, and the European Union (EU) to strengthen regional ties.

Reflecting on the journey of bilateral ties, he said since establishing diplomatic ties on March 22, 1973, Belgium has been one of the first western countries to sign a development cooperation agreement with Vietnam.

Over time, this partnership has evolved from development cooperation to an equal, mutually beneficial collaboration addressing global challenges, spanning agriculture, culture, education, climate change response, energy development, and green logistics.

Bac Giang inks cooperation agreement with T&T Group Joint Stock Company

BAC GIANG - On the afternoon of March 27, the Bac Giang Provincial People's Committee (PPC) and T&T Group Joint Stock Company (Hanoi) held a signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement on developing a number of fields to promote socio-economic development in the province.

Vietnam, China forge ahead with transport cooperation

From late 2023 to December 2024, the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport (now the Ministry of Construction - MoC), China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) signed six documents to advance the construction of railways linking the two nations.

Vietnam, Singapore seek cooperation chances in semiconductor industry

The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, in collaboration with the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), organised a hybrid seminar on March 24 to introduce Vietnam's potential, advantages, and development strategies for the semiconductor industry.

Vietnam, Luxembourg step up cooperation for development of int’l financial centres

Luxembourg expressed support for Vietnam to develop international financial centres during Permanent Deputy PM Nguyen Hoa Binh's visit to the European country.

Vietnam, Hungary look for stronger multifaceted cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Szijjarto Peter in Hanoi on March 19, during which they agreed to strengthen the two countries' cooperation in various potential areas in the coming time.

Provincial Journalists’ Association of Bac Giang and Phetchabun (Thailand) enhance friendly exchange and cooperation

BAC GIANG - The Bac Giang Provincial Journalists’ Association and the Thai journalist delegation on March 17, 2025 held a meeting to exchange and discuss activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Provincial Journalists’ Association of Bac Giang province and Phetchabun province (Thailand) (March 24, 2015 - 2025) in Bac Giang city.