Vietnam and Belgium Strengthen Ties During King Philippe’s Visit

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and Belgium have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in strategic sectors such as high technology, circular economy, and infrastructure development, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính stated during a meeting with Belgian King Philippe in Hanoi on Tuesday.

The meeting highlighted the growing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973.

Strengthening Economic and Development Cooperation

Prime Minister Chính expressed gratitude for Belgium’s continuous support in Vietnam’s development efforts. He urged Belgium to take concrete steps in implementing the Belgian parliamentary resolution adopted in October 2023, which provides assistance to Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange/dioxin.

He also called for Belgium to expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to advocate for the lifting of the European Commission’s yellow card warning on Vietnam’s seafood exports.

Welcoming the first state visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde since the two countries established diplomatic relations, the Vietnamese PM emphasized that this visit would provide fresh momentum for enhancing bilateral relations and political trust.

King Philippe Praises Vietnam’s Development and Bilateral Growth

King Philippe commended Vietnam’s socio-economic progress and expressed confidence in its ability to meet ambitious development goals for 2030 and 2045.

Both sides acknowledged the steady growth of Vietnam-Belgium friendship and multifaceted cooperation over the past five decades.

They agreed on expanding collaboration in trade, culture, tourism, and local-level partnerships, alongside strengthening their strategic agricultural partnership to address global challenges like climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics.

King Philippe also recognized Vietnam’s strategic importance in the region and reiterated Belgium’s interest in education, healthcare, seaport development, renewable energy, and innovation.

Enhancing Diplomatic and Global Cooperation

Both nations pledged to increase delegation exchanges across government, party, and parliamentary levels, strengthen inter-ministerial collaboration, and enhance people-to-people ties. They acknowledged the important role of the Vietnamese community in Belgium and the Belgian community in Vietnam in fostering deeper connections.

On international issues, both leaders agreed to work closely in multilateral forums to uphold international law and address global challenges.

Regarding the East Sea (South China Sea) issue, they emphasized the need to maintain security, freedom of navigation, and dispute resolution through peaceful means, in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Concluding the meeting, PM Chính extended an invitation to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to visit Vietnam, further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.