Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam has embarked on official visits to the European Union and Belgium, arriving in Brussels on Wednesday. The visits, organized at the invitation of European Council President António Costa and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, aim to bolster diplomatic relations and enhance economic cooperation between Vietnam and its European partners.
The trip is expected to strengthen existing commitments and translate agreements into actionable initiatives. Vietnam and the EU have shared diplomatic ties since 1990, with cooperation spanning trade, economic development, security, and sustainable growth. In January 2026, this relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening avenues for collaboration in energy, green transition, innovation, and regional security.
Vietnam’s relationship with Belgium dates back to 1973, with both nations collaborating on trade, agriculture, education, science and technology, and development programs. Their partnership extends to multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and ASEAN-EU frameworks, allowing coordination on international issues.
President To Lam is accompanied by his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, and a senior delegation from Vietnam, highlighting the importance of these visits in reinforcing political ties and deepening economic partnerships. The engagements reflect Vietnam’s broader strategy to expand its international relations and strengthen engagements with European countries.