Vietnam's top leader receives Denmark's highest state honour

General Secretary and President Tô Lâm received Denmark's highest-ranking honour during the opening days of a state visit to the Nordic nation, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations. The Vietnamese leader said he would dedicate the award to the Vietnamese and Danish peoples whose efforts have sustained the two countries' partnership over the past 55 years.

The honour also recognises those in both nations working to advance the relationship into a new phase of development, according to statements from the Vietnamese delegation. The visit underscores Vietnam's growing engagement with European partners as it seeks to diversify diplomatic and economic ties beyond its traditional regional focus.

During the visit, Tô Lâm and his spouse paid tribute to Denmark's war dead by laying a wreath at the Danish Heroes' Memorial. The state visit will also include stops in the European Union and Belgium, further demonstrating Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with major Western powers and multilateral institutions.

The trip reflects Vietnam's strategy of maintaining balanced international relationships while continuing to deepen partnerships with key democratic nations in Europe. The 55-year-old friendship between Vietnam and Denmark has evolved from early post-war connections into a modern relationship spanning trade, development cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Photo: General Secretary To Lam (left) with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, London, October 2025. Shaun Curry / No 10 Downing Street via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).