Vietnam and Denmark Upgrade Bilateral Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Copenhagen, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and Denmark have agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone as the two countries celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The agreement was reached during talks between Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen on Tuesday, during the Vietnamese leader’s state visit to Denmark from October 19 to 21.

The two leaders agreed to adopt a joint statement upgrading bilateral ties, establishing a broader framework for cooperation in trade and investment, green transition, renewable energy, strategic infrastructure, science and technology, and other areas of mutual interest.

The new partnership aims to strengthen political trust, promote substantive and long-term cooperation, and contribute to peace, stability and sustainable development in both regions and beyond.

Denmark has become the second European Union member state to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, Prime Minister Frederiksen noted, expressing her commitment to deepening cooperation under the new framework.

Frederiksen said President Tô Lâm’s visit, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, reflected the strong political trust and shared determination of both countries to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

She congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in economic and social development and international integration, recognising its growing regional and international standing and describing it as an important Danish partner in Southeast Asia.

President Tô Lâm thanked King Frederik X, Queen Mary, Prime Minister Frederiksen, and the Danish government and people for their warm welcome. He also praised Denmark’s economic development, competitiveness, high living standards and leadership in green transition, renewable energy, science, technology and innovation.

Expanding Trade and Investment Cooperation

The two leaders welcomed the steady development of bilateral relations over the past 55 years, noting that cooperation had evolved from traditional development assistance into a partnership between trusted and equal partners pursuing mutual benefits.

They highlighted the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and the Green Strategic Partnership in 2023 as important milestones in bilateral relations.

Building on these achievements, both sides agreed to explore emerging opportunities and utilise their respective strengths to advance cooperation and support national development objectives.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation was identified as a key pillar of the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two countries pledged to effectively implement the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, facilitate market access and encourage businesses to participate more extensively in global value chains and supply networks.

Prime Minister Frederiksen praised Vietnam’s investment climate and economic prospects, reaffirming Denmark’s interest in expanding trade and investment ties. She encouraged Danish companies to increase their presence and pursue long-term investments in Vietnam, particularly in high-tech, environmentally friendly and high-value-added industries.

President Tô Lâm welcomed the contributions of major Danish companies operating in Vietnam, including LEGO, Maersk, Pandora, Carlsberg and Vestas. He called for stronger policy dialogue and investment promotion to translate bilateral commitments into practical projects.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen coordination among government ministries, agencies, local authorities, businesses and people, while maintaining high-level exchanges and contacts through political, governmental and people-to-people channels.

Green Transition and Renewable Energy

Green transition, climate change response and sustainable development will remain long-term strategic priorities under the new partnership, building on the Green Strategic Partnership established in 2023.

Prime Minister Frederiksen affirmed Denmark’s readiness to share expertise and technology and support Vietnam in developing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, advancing a just energy transition and achieving its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

President Tô Lâm called on Denmark to provide further assistance in refining Vietnam’s policy framework, mobilising green finance and developing large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind power. He also emphasised the importance of support for implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in strategic infrastructure, seaports, logistics, green maritime transport and supply-chain connectivity.

President Tô Lâm welcomed the participation of Danish companies in developing Vietnam’s port facilities, logistics centres, transport infrastructure and green transport corridors, describing these areas as important for strengthening connectivity and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Science, Technology and Innovation

Science and technology, innovation and digital transformation were identified as emerging drivers of bilateral cooperation.

The two countries agreed to enhance research, practical applications and technology transfer in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, biomedicine, digital technologies and other emerging industries.

They also committed to strengthening partnerships among universities, research institutions, innovation centres and businesses, while expanding the training of highly skilled professionals.

Cooperation will further extend to healthcare, the circular economy, smart urban development and climate change adaptation, alongside greater exchanges in culture, education, tourism, local governance and people-to-people relations.

Prime Minister Frederiksen praised the Vietnamese community in Denmark, which numbers more than 18,000 people, for its successful integration into Danish society and its positive contributions to socioeconomic development and friendship between the two countries.

Cooperation on Regional and International Issues

On regional and international matters, the two leaders emphasised the importance of closer coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and respect for international law, while expressing support for more substantive and effective cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union.

Both sides also agreed that Vietnam could serve as a bridge to promote further cooperation between Denmark and ASEAN.

Emphasising the importance of translating political commitments into tangible outcomes, the leaders directed the relevant ministries and agencies to promptly develop and implement the agreed priorities, commitments and agreements under the new partnership framework.

At the conclusion of the talks, President Tô Lâm invited Prime Minister Frederiksen to visit Vietnam at an early date. She thanked him for the invitation and accepted it.

The two leaders subsequently witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between ministries, agencies and businesses from both countries, underscoring their shared commitment to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.