Vietnam News Today (Mar. 31): King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium Begin State Visit to Vietnam

	Vietnam News Today (Mar. 29): Vietnam Values Brazil as Key Partner in Latin America
	Vietnam News Today (Mar. 30): Golden Opportunity to Take Vietnam-Belgium Relations to New Heights

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. (Photo: Belga News Agency)

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium begin State visit to Vietnam

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium are scheduled to begin their State visit to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4 at the invitation of President Luong Cuong and his spouse.

This is the first State visit of the Belgian King and Queen to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973. However, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde have previously visited Vietnam in different capacities.

Accompanying the King and Queen on this visit is a high-level delegation of nearly 150 members, including five ministers and numerous CEOs from leading Belgian and EU corporations in logistics, port operations, energy transition, healthcare, and food industries.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the visit of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde marks a significant historical milestone in the more than 50-year diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Belgium. The event also underscores Belgium’s high regard for Vietnam, especially considering that the Belgian King has rarely undertaken visits outside Europe this year, cited VOV.

Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Karl Van den Bossche stated that in recent years, Vietnam-Belgium relations have made significant progress, transitioning from development cooperation to an equal partnership that share mutual benefits, and jointly addresses global challenges. It is expected that several important projects between the two countries will be signed during the King and Queen’s visit to Vietnam.

Currently, Belgium is Vietnam’s sixth largest trading partner within the EU. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached US$4.45 billion, with major exports including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, equipment, and high-tech products. In addition, Belgium’s Antwerp-Zeebrugge port, the largest in Europe, has played a crucial role in enhancing Vietnam’s import-export connectivity with the region.

By the end of 2024, Belgium had 100 active investment projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$1.1 billion, spanning 16 provinces and cities. Conversely, Vietnam had four investment projects in Belgium, totaling US$12.6 million, primarily in the processing and manufacturing industries.

During the visit, the King and Queen are scheduled to attend an official welcoming ceremony and hold talks with President Luong Cuong, meet with other senior Vietnamese leaders and participate in key activities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam, China expand research collaboration

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh has engaged in a working session with the Charhar Institute, a prominent Chinese think tank, to exchange views on economic and social developments, Vietnam-China relations, and key international and regional issues.

Founded in 2009 by Han Fangming, former vice chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee under the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the institute specialises in foreign policy analysis and international relations research. It provides expert assessments and unofficial policy recommendations to the Chinese government, with a presence in various Chinese cities and countries in the region, according to VNA.

At the working session between Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh and the Charhar Institute (Photo: VNA)

During the March 28 meeting, Binh stated that Vietnam consistently implements a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralism and diversification of relations. Highlighting the country’s participation in 17 free trade agreements, including next-generation ones, the diplomat stated that Vietnam is ready to expand and enhance mutually beneficial collaboration, including with China, contributing to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Expressing his interest in Vietnam’s measures to fulfil its development goals, Han Fangming lauded the country’s ongoing apparatus restructuring. He acknowledged that the policy aligns with historical trends and global and domestic developments, meeting the aspiration of the Vietnamese people. He noted that strengthening domestic economic resilience and expanding partnerships in supply chains and technology transfer are critical for developing nations in the current complex global environment.

Both sides agreed to promote further collaboration and exchanges between Vietnamese and Chinese research institutions, fostering practical policy recommendations to support national development in both countries and strengthen bilateral relations.

Vietnamese cultural values introduced to international friends in Mexico

Diverse and distinctive cultural values of Vietnam are promoted at the "Vietnam Culture Day" event held from March 29-30 in Mexico City, attracting representatives from diplomatic corps and local authorities, international friends, and local residents.

The event, held at Abraham Lincoln Park in the city centre, marked the opening of a series of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mexico (May 19, 1975 - 2025).

In his opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai affirmed that sharing similarities in the history of struggling for independence and in nation building, the relationship between Vietnam and Mexico has become increasingly strong over the past 50 years, spanning various fields, including politics, economy, and culture to people-to-people diplomacy, reported VNA.

A performance by the wives and children of officials from Vietnamese representative agencies in Mexico. (Photo: VNA)

Furthermore, despite the geographical distance, the Vietnam-Mexico connections are also built on profound cultural similarities, as both countries possess long-standing cultures rich in national identity and deep spiritual values, he added.

Maria Gonzalez, head of the Foreign Relations Department of Miguel Hidalgo, the central district of Mexico City where many international diplomatic missions are located, congratulated the success of the event, saying it marked a promising start for the series of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Highlighting the significance of the Vietnamese cultural space and the professional organization by the Vietnamese Embassy, Gonzalez stated that this is an opportunity for local authorities and residents to gain a deeper understanding of a beautiful, peace-loving, developing, and hospitable Vietnam.

At the event, in addition to folk art performances by the wives and children of officials from Vietnamese representative agencies, the Vietnamese Embassy also showcased numerous paintings, photographs, and video clips showcasing the country's beautiful landscapes, along with exquisite handicrafts that reflect the essence and spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Guests and local residents had the opportunity to enjoy Vietnam’s signature dishes such as spring rolls, fried spring rolls, fried rice, and salads.

Vietnam offers US$300,000 emergency aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar

Vietnam has offered an emergency aid package worth US$300,000 to support earthquake recovery efforts in Myanmar after the Southeast Asian nation was shattered by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28.

The government decided in response to Myanmar’s request for assistance.

On March 30, a 106-member Vietnamese rescue delegation from the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security arrived at Yangon Airport in Myanmar to assist with earthquake relief efforts.

Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defence's Search and Rescue Department, who led the delegation, stated that the most crucial task of the mission is to search and rescue any survivors. The team of trainers and service dogs will serve as the primary detection unit, followed by the engineering team, which will use advanced equipment to locate and carry out the rescue operations accurately, cited VOV.

Vietnamese soldiers, police officers, and service dogs arrive at Yangon Airport, Myanmar, and stay ready for earthquake relief efforts.

In addition, the team will provide urgent humanitarian assistance, including food and medical support, as well as engineering and technical aid to affected areas. They will also be closely coordinated with international and local relief forces while ensuring the safety of the rescue team.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock just minutes later. The quake destroyed numerous buildings, collapsed bridges, and damaged roads across the country. Local authorities reported that more than 1,700 people have died, 3,400 injured, and 300 missing after the disaster, and the numbers could rise further.

In Thailand, the earthquake also caused tremors in multiple areas, leading to the collapse of a building under construction in Bangkok. Thai officials confirmed that 17 people have died, 32 injured, and 83 missing.

At an emergency meeting on March 30, ASEAN foreign ministers agreed to activate the bloc’s emergency response mechanism.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, along with the Vietnam-Myanmar Friendship Association, sent sympathy to the people of Myanmar.

First-class Labor Order bestowed upon Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association

The Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association marked its 50th anniversary on March 30 in Hanoi, during which the association was awarded the State’s first-class Labor Order in recognition of its contributions to Vietnam’s development and the enhancement of bilateral relations.

On this occasion, Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man sent floral congratulations to the association. Samdech Men Sam An, Chairwoman of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association, meanwhile, cabled her congratulatory letter.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son remarked that the two nations share deep-rooted solidarity, friendship, and cooperation, forged through their years of struggle for independence and freedom. He described this bond as a priceless asset that must be preserved and passed down to future generations, according to VNA.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son presents the State’s first-class Labour Order to the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association at the ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

The Vietnamese Party, State, and people always prioritize the development of sound neighborliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive collaboration with their Cambodian counterparts, the official affirmed.

Son highlighted the contributions of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association to fostering the ties over the past five decades. With over 60,000 members across 41 provinces and cities nationwide, it is one of Vietnam’s largest bilateral friendship organizations, reflecting widespread public support for a stronger Vietnam-Cambodia relationship.

The Deputy PM expressed his confidence that the association will continue to serve as a crucial bridge between the two nations. He called for closer cooperation between the two friendship associations in organizing investment and business networking events and programs for expanded partnerships in tourism, science and technology, environmental protection, and disaster and disease prevention.

Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association Vann Phal said he hopes joint work between the two associations will help strengthen bilateral friendship and solidarity, and cooperation in the long run. He also expressed gratitude for the Vietnamese association’s humanitarian assistance to Cambodia.

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 27): Vietnam Emerges as Fastest-Growing Economy in SEA Vietnam News Today (Mar. 27): Vietnam treasures relations with Singapore; Vietnam emerges as the fastest-growing economy in SEA; Vietnam strengthens efforts to advance women, peace, and ...

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 28): Vietnam and Brazil to Realize 2024 Strategic Partnership Framework Vietnam News Today (Mar. 28): Vietnam and Brazil to realize 2024 strategic partnership framework; Vietnam, Bangladesh step up cross-border e-commerce promotion; Vietnam and Indonesia likely ...