Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam has commenced official visits to the European Union and Belgium, arriving in Brussels on Wednesday. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of European Council President António Costa and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, seeks to bolster diplomatic ties and expand economic cooperation between Vietnam and its European partners.
Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the EU were first established in 1990, leading to a comprehensive partnership that spans trade, economic development, security, and sustainable growth. In January 2026, this relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, creating opportunities for collaboration in areas such as energy, green transition, innovation, and regional security.
Vietnam’s relationship with Belgium dates back to 1973, with cooperation extending across trade, agriculture, education, and technology sectors, as well as development programs. Both nations also engage in international issues through multilateral platforms, including the United Nations and ASEAN-EU frameworks.
The current visits are expected to reinforce political connections, deepen economic partnerships, and translate existing agreements into actionable initiatives. They reflect Vietnam’s broader strategy of enhancing its international relations and broadening its engagement with European countries.