The following is a translation of the address.
Mr. Chair of Egmont – the Royal Institute for International Relations,
Distinguished guests, scholars, researchers, and representatives of the diplomatic corps,
It is a great pleasure for me and the high-level Vietnamese delegation to be here in the Kingdom of Belgium – the political hub of the European Union. The Kingdom of Belgium possesses an invaluable diplomatic legacy: the art of reconciling differences and building consensus. Its ability to manage diversity has made it a symbol of the spirit of “Unity in Diversity,” a core philosophy the E.U., ASEAN, and the international community hold in high regard in today’s volatile world.
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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam gives a policy speech at Egmont – The Royal Institute for International Relations in Brussels on October 23, 2026. |
After four decades of Doi Moi (Renewal), Viet Nam has transformed from a war-torn nation, beset by encirclement and embargoes, into the E.U.’s leading trade and investment partner in Southeast Asia. This journey affirms a fundamental truth: regardless of differences in political systems or levels of development, nations that share a commitment to dialogue, mutually beneficial cooperation, and respect for international law can successfully transcend their differences to shape a shared future.
Today, at Egmont – The Royal Institute for International Relations, I would like to share three key messages:
- First: Recognizing the strategic shift of our era – a period of profound transformation that carries the risk of fragmentation while simultaneously opening up new opportunities, in which the E.U. continues to play a central, pioneering role.
- Second: An increasing alignment in vision, values, and the mindset of “strategic autonomy” between Viet Nam and the E.U. – a solid foundation for both sides to advance further.
- Third: Breakthrough strategic orientations in Viet Nam–E.U. relations, with the relationship between Viet Nam and Belgium serving as a driver and the most vivid testament to this.
Ladies and gentlemen,
1. The world faces epochal shifts and the risk of fragmentation.
We are living through a period in which the international order is being profoundly reshaped. Strategic competition among major powers has deeply permeated every core structure: from economics, trade, and supply chains to strategic technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and data standards. The emergence of policies centered on “Economic Security” or “De-risking” is drawing new boundaries across technological ecosystems and production chains, exposing the world to the serious risk of geo-economic fragmentation.
Multilateralism and the rules-based order are facing unprecedented challenges. Unilateralism and a tide of protectionism are on the rise, while central multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization are under urgent pressure to reform. The world confronts a paradox: deeper connectivity driven by technology, yet accelerating fragmentation fueled by geopolitics.
At the same time, the risks of geopolitical conflict and sovereignty disputes spanning the seas, oceans, outer space, and cyberspace are becoming intensely intertwined with severe non-traditional security challenges (ranging from climate change and energy or food crises to high-tech crime). Reality confirms that no single nation can address these global risks on its own.
The strategic challenge is this: How can we safeguard national autonomy while simultaneously contributing to the construction of a fair, open, and rules-based international order? This is a question that requires a shared solution from both Viet Nam and the EU. And I believe that the more we engage in dialogue, the more both sides will realize that we share far more in terms of strategic common ground and core values than we have differences.
Ladies and gentlemen,
2. Viet Nam’s path of development: Strategic autonomy coupled with deep and broad integration
To address this question, Viet Nam has adopted a guiding philosophy for action: “Confidence – autonomy – self-reliance – self-strengthening – national pride.” The underlying logic is that self-reliance and self-strengthening build resilience and autonomy, while deep and broad international cooperation helps expand the space for national development. Emerging from the shadows of war and embargoes, Viet Nam took the courageous step of Doi Moi. It has innovated its leadership mindset, reformed institutional frameworks, transformed operational approaches, and proactively integrated into the global community.
As a poor, war-torn nation, Viet Nam’s GDP per capita stood at approximately 84 USD in 1975. By 2025, this figure surpassed 5,000 USD. Viet Nam has become a dynamic economy with a GDP exceeding 500 billion USD (ranking among the 32 largest economies in the world).
We have established trade relations with over 230 countries and signed 18 free trade agreements (FTAs) with more than 60 partners. In 2026, we continue to sustain a strong growth momentum, targeting a total trade turnover of more than 1.2 trillion USD. More importantly, the fruits of this growth have been substantively translated into improvements in the people’s quality of life, the strengthening of social welfare, and sustainable poverty reduction.
Viet Nam is confidently entering a new era of development with two centennial goals: to become a developing nation with a modern industrial base by 2030, and a developed, high-income nation by 2045. To realize this aspiration, we are moving away from a reliance on natural resources or low-cost labor, shifting instead toward a growth model driven by knowledge, innovation, digital transformation, and the green transition, with people at the center. At the same time, Viet Nam remains steadfast in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralization and diversification of external relations.
Nevertheless, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges: the risk of falling into the “middle-income trap,” the pressure to boost productivity, and the vulnerability of an open economy to geo-economic shocks. To overcome these hurdles, alongside its own efforts, Viet Nam needs strategic, fair, balanced, and effective cooperation from international partners, among whom the European Union stands out as a premier, high-caliber partner.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. The position and role of the European Union in the global order
The birth of the European Union stands as a monumental milestone of the 20th century – transforming a continent once ravaged by war into a space of peace, prosperity, and extensive integration that is among the most of its kind in the world. It serves as an inspiring lesson on the capacity to transcend history and embrace differences to forge a shared future – a philosophy that deeply resonates with the Vietnamese people.
Today, the E.U. stands not only as a leading hub for the economy, science, and technology, but also as a pioneer in shaping international standards and global governance norms, spanning areas from the green and digital economies to artificial intelligence. We highly value the E.U.’s pursuit of “Strategic Autonomy” – an approach that fosters Europe’s autonomy in economic security while remaining firmly committed to multilateralism and international law. Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, the E.U. is actively establishing its presence and making practical contributions to peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region.
For Viet Nam, the relationship with the E.U. holds a special, structural significance. The E.U. was among the first strategic partners to accompany Viet Nam from the very early days of the Doi Moi process. Viet Nam takes pride in being the only Southeast Asian nation to maintain such a comprehensive network of cooperation with the E.U. (encompassing eight cooperation mechanisms) while also having established strategic or comprehensive partnerships with 11 of its member states.
Cooperation with the E.U. is not merely a conventional foreign relationship, it serves as a strategic pillar, directly aligned with Viet Nam’s policy of multilateralization and diversification, and its pursuit of an autonomous path of development. We deeply appreciate the equitable and invaluable cooperation and support that the E.U. and its member states have extended to Viet Nam over the past decades.
Ladies and gentlemen,
4. Viet Nam and the E.U.: Shared interests, values, and strategic vision
Transcending geographical distance and differences in levels of development, Viet Nam and the E.U. find deep alignment across four strategic pillars:
First, the convergence between the “Strategic Autonomy” pursued by both sides and Viet Nam’s own ethos of Self-strengthening: Autonomy does not imply isolation or disconnection; rather, it signifies an enhanced capacity to independently determine one’s own path of development and national destiny. Within the framework of the E.U.’s “De-risking” and “Global Gateway” strategies, Viet Nam – given its central position in Southeast Asia and its highly open economy – serves as a “trusted link” that assists the E.U. in diversifying and securing its supply chains.
Second, a positive perspective on new green standards (CBAM, EUDR): We do not view CBAM or EUDR as protectionist barriers, but rather as catalysts for restructuring the economy toward green development. Viet Nam is ready to be a pioneering developing nation in complying with these standards, while also looking to the E.U. for partnership in green technology and finance.
Third, a commitment to fairness, transparency, equality, and mutual benefit in Free Trade and Economic Security: The EVFTA and EVIPA demonstrate that a developing nation can fully integrate on equal terms, meeting the highest standards regarding labor, the environment, and sustainable development. The steadfast commitment of both sides to trade liberalization serves as a counter-message to the tide of protectionism and unilateralism.
Fourth, upholding International Law and Maritime Security (UNCLOS 1982): Both sides regard the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) as the “constitution for the oceans and seas.” The East Sea (aka South China Sea) serves as a vital maritime artery directly linked to Europe’s economic security. We highly value the E.U.’s strong voice in defending the integrity of UNCLOS 1982 and maintaining a peaceful presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Ladies and gentlemen,
5. Viet Nam–E.U. and Viet Nam–Belgium relations: From political resolve to breakthrough strategic cooperation programs
A framework for relations only truly possesses vitality when it fosters a profound strategic understanding, intertwines interests, and yields concrete results. In this context, the relationship between Viet Nam and Belgium serves as the most vivid testament to the depth of the Viet Nam–E.U. partnership.
I propose the following areas for breakthrough strategic cooperation in the coming period:
First, elevate political trust and economic security: Establish Viet Nam–E.U. cooperation as a core element of the E.U.’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Both sides should strengthen ties in trade and investment, ensure the security of supply chains, and enhance collaboration in cybersecurity and maritime security, as well as coordination among the E.U., Viet Nam, and ASEAN to help shape a rules-based regional security architecture.
Second, institutionalize economic, trade, and investment cooperation at a new height: Building upon the EVFTA and EVIPA, collaboration should be expanded into the digital economy, the circular economy, and the carbon credit market. Viet Nam proposes the E.U. provide technical assistance to help Vietnamese enterprises meet green standards (such as CBAM and EUDR), while also encouraging European investment funds to expand their presence in Viet Nam’s strategic infrastructure and logistics sectors.
Third, achieve breakthroughs in science – technology, semiconductors, and innovation: In alignment with the E.U. Chips Act and AI Strategy, Viet Nam proposes connecting the two sides' technology ecosystems. A key focus is cooperation with Belgium – home to IMEC, a world-leading semiconductor research center. This includes establishing joint R&D centers for semiconductors, responsible AI, and biotechnology, as well as fostering connections between innovation and startup networks.
Fourth, accelerate the green transition and a just energy transition: Realize the Net Zero 2050 goal and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) by combining E.U. green finance and technologies (offshore wind power and green hydrogen) with Viet Nam’s potential. Such cooperation should engage the private sector and local authorities from both sides, particularly in addressing climate change in the Mekong Delta.
Fifth, strengthen the foundation of education, training, and people-to-people exchanges: Build a sustainable “knowledge alliance” rooted in the legacy of cooperation between Belgian and Vietnamese universities, while leveraging the “soft power” of the Vietnamese community in Belgium and across Europe as a robust cultural bridge.
As one of the Southeast Asian nations with the most comprehensive partnership with the E.U. and currently serving as the coordinator for ASEAN–E.U. relations, Viet Nam stands ready to act as a “pilot model” and a strategic bridge, helping turn ASEAN–E.U. cooperation into an exemplary inter-regional partnership, making a tangible contribution to peace and prosperity across both continents.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
6. A shared aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous future
Visiting the Egmont Institute today – standing in a place named after the Count of Egmont, who chose to side with the people and the ideals of freedom, becoming an immortal symbol of courage and dialogue – I realize a profound parallel. The Vietnamese people, too, have weathered countless historical storms, sustained by an indomitable spirit of independence, resilience, and a fervent yearning for peace.
Viet Nam is entering a new era of development, with the goal of building a prosperous nation, a green and modern economy, and a humane society.
I hope that from this hall at the Egmont Institute today, European policymakers and scholars will come to see Viet Nam as a “trusted partner” and a “strategic link” connecting the continents of Asia and Europe. As this vision is realized, the Viet Nam–E.U. and Viet Nam–Belgium relationships will transcend the pages of diplomatic documents, evolving into a vibrant economic, intellectual, and technological corridor that bridges Hanoi and Brussels.
Allow me to conclude by highlighting a remarkable convergence of two sources of inspiration: the motto on the Belgian coat of arms, “Unity makes strength,” and the timeless teaching of President Ho Chi Minh: “Unity, unity, great unity. Success, success, great success.”
This serves as a common denominator for our new era: Unity in diversity, moving forward together while respecting differences so that we may jointly write a new chapter of peace and prosperity for both our continents.
Thank you very much!
Source: VNA