Belgian Sovereigns' visit to Vietnam: Partnership in the spirit of sustainability

THE HANOI TIMES — At the invitation of President Luong Cuong and his wife, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Kingdom of Belgium will visit Vietnam from March 31 to April 4. This is the first state visit to Vietnam by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde as heads of state of Belgium.

Prior to the visit, Karl Van Den Bossche, Amb. of the Kingdom of Belgium to Vietnam, told The Hanoi Times about the prospects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

What do you think is the significance of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's state visit to Vietnam?

The Kingdom of Belgium was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1973. Two years later, Belgium opened an embassy in Hanoi and appointed a permanent ambassador in June 1976. In the more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and Belgium have welcomed many high-ranking delegations and delegations of leaders at all levels to visit each other.

This is the first state visit of the King and Queen as heads of state of Belgium, but not their first visit to Vietnam. King Philippe visited Vietnam in 1993, 2003 and 2012 when he was still Crown Prince. Queen Mathilde visited Vietnam in 2012 as a Belgian princess with Crown Prince Philippe. In 2023, she returned as Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium.

The King and Queen have a deep impression of the country and people of Vietnam, and have affection for the S-shaped land. Therefore, I believe that this will be a visit filled with much affection.

Earlier this year, Vietnam welcomed a number of heads of state but this was a visit by the King and Queen. It is very important for members of the royal family to officially visit a country. It is worth noting that the Belgian Royal Family only makes a few state visits each year, and visiting a country outside the European Union is even more special. This shows how important the upcoming visit is for both Vietnam and the Kingdom of Belgium.

Based on that, what will the King and Queen's agenda be?

Their Majesties the King and the Queen will pay a state visit to Vietnam, with a diverse program and a visit to the cities of Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ho Chi Minh, which will highlight both the growing and dynamic cooperation between the two countries and Belgium's role as an ambassador for sustainability. The state visit will also provide an opportunity to reflect on Vietnam's charged history and to reaffirm Belgium’s solidarity with Vietnam and the Vietnamese people.

The Sovereigns will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Prévot, and Secretary General of the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs Theodora Gentzis; Minister-President of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region Rudi Vervoort; Minister-President of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation Elisabeth Degryse; Minister-President of the Government of Wallonia Adrien Dolimont and Flemish Minister for Brussels and Media Cieltje Van Achter, as well as representatives of the business community and the academic world.

Belgian investors, NGOs, universities, training institutions and research centers are working increasingly closely with Vietnam. Belgian companies are active in a wide range of sectors, from the green economy to healthcare, biotechnology and the agro-food industry. With their technical expertise, they make a sustainable contribution to the country's economic growth. During the state visit, these Belgian assets will be fully highlighted.

Vietnam is also an important opportunity for Belgium to play its role as an ambassador for sustainability. The state visit will be an opportunity to reaffirm this role and to start a dialog on the promotion of environmental and social standards in business.

Finally, attention will also be paid to the consequences of the war in Vietnam, which are still being felt today. The state visit will draw attention to this charged history and show solidarity with the victims of the toxic defoliant Agent Orange.

From the beginning of your tenure in Vietnam in 2022 until now, what are your impressions of Vietnam's development?

I was assigned to work in India from 2011 to 2015. There, I felt the dynamism of a developing country. When I came to Vietnam in 2022, I had the same feelings.

Vietnam is a developing economy in Asia, but not only that, you are aiming for sustainable development with a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 ( Net Zero ). That is the premise for Belgian businesses to increase cooperation with Vietnam.

Vietnamese people always have a striving spirit and are willing to do anything for their children. So I have great respect for Vietnam.

From a historical point of view, Vietnam and Belgium have many similarities. Your country has been devastated by wars for centuries. We understand this devastation because the Kingdom of Belgium has experienced two world wars.

From the very beginning, Belgium-Vietnam associations were established to help the young Democratic Republic of Vietnam find its balance in the international arena. These associations still exist today.

We have witnessed Vietnam's integration into the world after the Doi Moi (Renewal) period. Opening up has helped Vietnam achieve historic economic growth. Vietnam has become an increasingly responsible, reliable and stable partner.

Since then, the relationship with Vietnam - like the country itself - has evolved considerably. As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore be an excellent opportunity to enrich this multifaceted partnership.

Thanks for your time.