Vietnamese President To Lam has commenced official visits to the European Union (EU) and Belgium, marking a significant step in strengthening Vietnam’s diplomatic and economic ties with its European partners. Arriving in Brussels on Wednesday, President To Lam was joined by his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, and a senior delegation from Vietnam. The visits are taking place at the invitation of European Council President António Costa and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The primary objective of this trip is to reinforce diplomatic relations, broaden economic cooperation, and further develop existing commitments between Vietnam and its European allies. Vietnam and the EU have been steadily enhancing their relationship since establishing diplomatic ties in 1990. This was elevated in January 2026 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has opened new avenues for collaboration in sectors such as energy, green transition, innovation, and regional security.
Relations between Vietnam and Belgium date back to 1973, with cooperation expanding over the years to include trade, agriculture, education, science and technology, and development programs. Both nations have also worked together on international issues through multilateral platforms like the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU frameworks.
The current visits by President To Lam are expected to bolster political ties and deepen economic partnerships. The delegation aims to convert existing agreements into practical initiatives, reflecting Vietnam’s broader strategy to strengthen international relations and expand its engagement with European countries.
These visits underscore Vietnam’s commitment to advancing its global partnerships and its pursuit of mutually beneficial collaborations with European nations. The outcomes of these meetings are anticipated to further solidify Vietnam’s position as a significant partner for the EU and Belgium, particularly in shared areas of interest such as sustainable development and innovation.