The visit took place from October 23 to 24, 2026, at the invitation of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The joint statement outlines that Vietnam and Belgium have agreed to strengthen global cooperation, enhance the exchange of delegations and contacts at all levels—particularly at the high level—through all appropriate channels, and maintain regular political consultations.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining constructive bilateral dialogue and further developing practical cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation, signed in 2003, which remains in effect. The two sides expressed their readiness to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual interest—including training, military medicine, and the defense industry—while taking into account the priorities and available resources of each side.
Both sides acknowledged the high degree of complementarity between their economies and the significant potential for furthering cooperation, particularly in sectors aligned with the priorities and strengths of each nation. They include services, finance, research and development (R&D), the transition to agroecology, environmental protection, higher education, innovation, eco-friendly industries, multimodal logistics, shipbuilding technology, high-tech, port management, (renewable) energy, essential raw materials, semiconductors, biotechnology, healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry, and transportation.
Both sides agreed to deepen their strategic partnership. They reached a consensus on strengthening coordination to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and ensuring the effective implementation of relevant EU regulations.
They committed to boosting cooperation in science, technology, research, and innovation, while enhancing technical exchanges. Both pledged to encourage collaboration in research and development (R&D) and the application of strategic technologies—including safe, reliable, and responsible artificial intelligence, as well as semiconductor technology, microelectronics, and cloud computing.
In the joint statement, Vietnam and Belgium reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and safety, as well as freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade. They also underscored the necessity of resolving disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law—most notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Additionally, the joint statement addressed shared concerns regarding various conflicts across the globe, as well as efforts toward their resolution.
