Vietnam and EU/Belgium elevate strategic ties during President To Lam's visit

To Lam EVIPA Vietnam-EU relations Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Belgium-Vietnam relations

Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam concluded an official visit to Denmark, the European Union, and Belgium from October 19 to 24, 2026. During the trip, Vietnam and Denmark elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In Belgium, President To Lam held high-level meetings with King Philippe, Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and parliamentary leaders. A significant outcome was the Belgian House of Representatives' vote to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) on October 22, 2026. The two nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing multifaceted cooperation, building on the 2018 Strategic Partnership Framework on Agriculture.

Discussions focused on strategic autonomy and breakthrough cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and green materials. President To Lam also met with Vietnamese intellectuals and experts in Belgium and Luxembourg to discuss transitioning from resource-seeking to connecting expertise with national needs, specifically regarding critical infrastructure and circular industrial models.

Entities

Antwerp-Bruges Port · António Costa · Bart De Wever · Belgium · European Council · European Union · King Philippe · Port of Antwerp-Bruges · Port of Antwerp-Bruges · To Lam · Ursula von der Leyen · Vietnam

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 7 SOURCES] Both sides aim to achieve cooperation in essential raw materials and the blue economy. dantri.com.vn · moitruong.net.vn · kienthuc.net.vn
[● 12 SOURCES] Vietnam and the EU upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026. dantri.com.vn · moitruong.net.vn · kienthuc.net.vn
[○ 1 SOURCE] A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Port of Antwerp and the Vietnam Maritime Group.
[● 9 SOURCES] President To Lam visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. baogialai.com.vn · soha.vn
[● 7 SOURCES] The leaders discussed promoting investment through the Global Gateway and JETP initiatives. dantri.com.vn · moitruong.net.vn · kienthuc.net.vn
[● 12 SOURCES] President To Lam held talks with European Council President António Costa in Brussels. dantri.com.vn · moitruong.net.vn · kienthuc.net.vn · baogialai.com.vn
[● 7 SOURCES] The Port of Antwerp-Bruges contributes approximately 4.5% of Belgium's GDP. baogialai.com.vn · soha.vn
[● 7 SOURCES] To Lam met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels. moitruong.net.vn · kienthuc.net.vn · dantri.com.vn
[● 8 SOURCES] Vietnam and the EU aim to accelerate the ratification of the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). moitruong.net.vn · kienthuc.net.vn · giaoducthoidai.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] To Lam visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges during his official trip to Belgium. baogialai.com.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] Both sides aim to cooperate in essential raw materials and the blue economy. moitruong.net.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] The Belgian House of Representatives officially voted to ratify the EVIPA on October 22, 2026. giaoducthoidai.vn