The host leaders announced that the Belgian House of Representatives had voted to ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) on the night of October 22, on the eve of the meeting. They described the move as tangible evidence of the two countries’ determination and potential to expand economic, trade and investment cooperation.
The Belgian parliamentary leaders also praised Vietnam’s visa exemption policy allowing Belgian citizens to stay for up to 45 days, saying it helps promote mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges.
General Secretary and President Lam welcomed the ratification of EVIPA, expressing confidence that the agreement will create more favorable conditions for collaboration, particularly between businesses from both countries.
The Vietnamese leader also expressed profound gratitude for the House of Representatives’ adoption in October 2023 of a resolution calling for support for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, making it the first and so far only foreign legislative body to do so. He said the gesture has deeply moved the Vietnamese people, reflecting the friendship, humanitarian spirit and sincere solidarity with Vietnam’s efforts to address the consequences of war.
Highlighting the cooperation agreement signed in February 2025, General Secretary and President Lam called for its effective implementation through exchanges of delegations and contacts between parliamentary leaders and specialized agencies, sharing legislative and supervisory experience, and promoting the role of parliamentary friendship groups, and closer coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums.
He also called on the Belgian parliamentary leaders to support the early elevation of bilateral relations to a new level and facilitate economic and investment cooperation, with science, technology and innovation becoming a priority area.
The Belgian parliamentary leaders expressed support for stronger partnerships, including in cargo transportation and maritime security.
The same day, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam visited the Belgian Federal Parliament headquarters and wrote in the guest book there.
