Speech by His Majesty the King of the Belgians on the occasion of the State Banquet offered by His Excellency Mr Lương Cường, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Mr President,
It is a true pleasure for the Queen and me to be in Vietnam.
After my first trip to your country in 1994, and having led two consecutive trade missions, the Queen came two years ago, to promote children’s rights. I can say that the current State visit, our fourth journey to your country, really reflects the importance of our friendship with the Vietnamese people.
We also admire the remarkable economic growth, which Vietnam has achieved. The market reforms, WTO accession, and emphasis on trade have really borne fruit. Thanks to the spirit of its people, Vietnam has made immense progress.
That is also why, in 2019, our countries decided together to replace our fruitful development cooperation by a new partnership. A bond based on equality, and mutually beneficial investment. While the geopolitical scene is defined by hard power games, Belgium and Vietnam cherish their 50 years of diplomatic relations, based on genuine friendship.
Mr President,
Reflecting on what we have accomplished together over the years, I want to underscore the values we hold dear. Belgium and Vietnam are united in their commitment to multilateralism, the building of bridges, and international law, particularly in the area of conflict prevention.
The quest for freedom, justice and happiness, which we find in Vietnam’s epic “Tale of Kieu”, remains more relevant than ever, in times when international law is squandered, and replaced by “might is right”. Kieu’s talents were exploited by others for their personal gain. Just like she longed for liberation and justice, our countries aspire to a fairer world, where humanity’s well-being prevails over short-term gain.
Vietnam and Belgium are also united in the battle against climate change, working towards climate neutrality by 2050. The Deep C eco industrial zone, which I will visit tomorrow, embodies a future of logistics, renewable energy, and waste reduction. Protecting the biodiversity and the immense beauty of the Vietnamese coasts is essential.
Belgian companies are investing in Vietnamese hydrogen power, innovative medical treatments, insurance, and steel. During the Covid pandemic, Belgian vaccines helped protect millions of lives, and we are now boosting our local presence. Other Belgian companies are investing in growth sectors, such as logistics, food, and offshore wind. As you can see, we fully commit to the Vietnamese saying: “Give me a road and I will run!”.
Mr President,
Today, at the War Memorial, we were deeply touched by the immense suffering of your people throughout your nation’s history. So many Vietnamese men and women still wear the wounds of the long wars your country faced. Chemical warfare and anti-personnel mines have left deep scars. My country, Belgium, was the battlefield of Europe for many centuries, and during the First World War, we were the first to suffer the horrors of poison gas. We understand the pain you have endured. That is why, today, our countries remain united in their resolve to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. This also explains the deep sympathy the Belgian people feel for Vietnamese war victims, whose resilience is widely admired.
On this foundation, our commitment to health and nature conservation remains unwavering. Belgium takes pride in the successful pilot project for decontamination from Agent Orange. This effort continues, highlighted by the 2023 Belgian Parliament’s Resolution, the first of its kind, which has drawn global attention to the issue. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Queen and I will meet with victims and with investors involved in further decontamination projects, working to create a healthier environment for your people.
We also support Vietnam through various non-governmental initiatives. Together, we promote environmental, social, and governance standards. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Queen and I will meet with representatives of the United Nations, and civil society. We help empower disadvantaged communities through sustainable cocoa production, ensuring fair incomes for Vietnamese farmers. The Belgian Investment Company BIO as well as Finexpo provide untied aid to growth companies in Vietnam, promoting the SDG’s, an area that remains a priority for the Queen.
Belgian and Vietnamese academic institutions and training centres also maintain close collaboration. Each year, hundreds of Vietnamese students travel to Belgium to pursue education and research. Today, we are delighted to count over 5,000 Vietnamese alumni from Belgian universities, who are applying their talents across a wide range of sectors.
Mr President,
The close ties between Vietnam and Belgium harmoniously link the past, present and future, like “âm dương”, the concept of “yin and yang”. These ties build on the wisdom of our ancestors, shared remembrance, and a long history of support. Today, our new partnerships shine, like radiant pearls in a Vietnamese crown. They reflect a bright future built on peace, prosperity, and inclusivity.
In this spirit of shared ambitions, I invite you, Ladies and Gentlemen, to raise your glasses to the health of President Lương Cường and to the deep and lasting friendship between Vietnam and Belgium.