Vietnam, Belgium move to strengthen bilateral ties in trade and maritime sectors

Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam has visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium as part of efforts to advance bilateral relations between the two nations. During the visit, the Vietnamese leader stressed that Vietnam-Belgium relations rest on enduring foundations of friendship, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation built and nurtured over many years.

Flanders and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges have been identified as crucial partners in the relationship, particularly in maritime affairs, seaport operations and logistics development. The engagement reflects Vietnam's strategic focus on strengthening economic and trade ties with European partners and expanding cooperation in key sectors aligned with regional development priorities.

The visit also included meetings with staff from Vietnamese government agencies based in Belgium and engagement with the Vietnamese community across Europe. These interactions underscore the broader diplomatic objectives of strengthening people-to-people connections and institutional cooperation between the two countries.

The Communist Party of Vietnam and Belgium's Workers' Party share strong historical and ideological ties that provide a foundation for continued political and economic dialogue. The exchange of visits and high-level engagement demonstrates both nations' commitment to expanding cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to cultural and educational exchanges.

Photo: The Port House (Havenhuis), headquarters of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, in Antwerp, Belgium, September 2025. Aftanc via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).