Replacing diesel-powered tugboats along the Scheldt River, Volta 1, built by a Dutch company in Vietnam, is noted as Europe’s first electric tug of its kind. Its advanced batteries reportedly enable 12-hour operations with a 70-ton pull, emitting no direct CO2.
More than just storybooks, these Vietnamese books serve as a cultural bridge, connecting children living far from the homeland with the cultural heritage of their ancestors.
Amid the dominant languages of Belgium—French, Dutch, German and English—Vietnamese is now represented, serving as a bridge between children of Vietnamese descent and their cultural roots.
The Vietnamese leaders expressed their belief that the trip by King Philippe would create new momentum to deepen the friendship and multifaceted cooperation Vietnam and Belgium in a more result-oriented manner, responsibly contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.
Belgium has been a crucial partner for the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in general in education, research, and innovation, creating meaningful collaboration opportunities with not only the university but other leading educational institutions in Vietnam
King Philippe underscored the importance of reinforcing solidarity between Belgium and Vietnam, especially in today's unpredictable changes in the world situation, and stressed the need for intensified cooperation between the two nations.
Belgian King Philippe's meetings with top leaders of Vietnam, the 16th session of the Vietnam-Belarus Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, and Singapore's approval of the import of selected poultry meat and egg products from Vietnam are among news highlights on April 1 evening.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium on April 1 visited the Vietnam National Children's Hospital in Hanoi, which reflected the strong public healthcare cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of child mental health.
In the past over five decades, Vietnam and Belgium have emerged as key partners across multiple fields, including politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, education, health care, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Both nations have also worked closely together at multilateral forums, particularly as members of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure.
Belgian King Philippe's visit, accompanied by senior officials, business leaders, representatives of universities and research institutes, would create new momentum to deepen and enhance the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium in a practical and effective way, meeting the benefits of their people and contributing responsibly to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and the world.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed optimism that the King's visit will provide fresh impetus for strengthening bilateral relations, deepening political trust, and fostering comprehensive cooperation.
To further strengthen Vietnam-Belgium relations, especially parliamentary cooperation, both sides agreed to enhance delegation exchanges at all levels, particularly between parliamentary committees and friendship groups. They also pledged to share legislative and supervisory experience, coordinate positions in international organisations, support each other’s candidacies for UN bodies, and effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
President Cuong warmly welcomed King Philippe and a high-ranking delegation of the Kingdom of Belgium on their first state visit to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973, affirming that the trip is an important historical milestone, opening up a new page for the friendly relations between the two countries.
The Belgian King and Queen expressed their impression of the profound cultural and historical value of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, underscoring the significance of preserving and promoting each nation’s cultural heritage.
tate President Luong Cuong and his spouse chaired a welcome ceremony in Hanoi on April 1 for King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who are paying a state visit to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4.
The first state visit in over 50 years between the two countries serves as an important milestone for bilateral ties to enter a new development stage with stronger political trust and more substantive and effective cooperation.
This collaboration provides an opportunity for the two sides to jointly develop breakthrough solutions in four key areas, namely urban climate research, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, water resources management, and circular economy development.
