Copenhagen (VNA) – General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen held talks in Copenhagen on October 20, agreeing to adopt a joint statement on upgrading the two countries’ relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Warmly welcoming General Secretary and President Lam, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their state visit to Denmark, PM Frederiksen affirmed that the visit holds great significance as the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations (1971–2026). It demonstrates political trust and a shared resolve to bring bilateral ties into a new phase of development.
Evolving from traditional development cooperation, the countries have become trusted, equal, and mutually beneficial partners, marked by key milestones such as the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and a Green Strategic Partnership in 2023.
Building on the results achieved, the two leaders agreed to capitalize on new opportunities and leverage each country's strengths to build momentum for bilateral cooperation, thereby making practical contributions to each nation's development goals.
On that basis, they adopted a joint statement upgrading Vietnam–Denmark relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This opens a new chapter in bilateral ties, establishing a new political framework and drive to promote extensive, substantive, and effective cooperation for the long-term benefit of both peoples, as well as for peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development regionally and globally.
To realize the new framework, the two leaders agreed to enhance political trust by maintaining mutual visits and exchanges at high and all levels across Party, State, and people-to-people channels. They also agreed to improve the efficiency of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and boost collaboration among ministries, sectors, localities, business communities, and the peoples of both countries.
Both host and guest concurred in identifying economic, trade, and investment cooperation as an important pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agreed to push ahead with the effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promote market opening, facilitate deeper participation by businesses from both countries in global value and supply chains, and strive to increase bilateral trade turnover.
The two leaders planned to further promote the effectiveness of the Green Strategic Partnership, turning cooperation in energy transition, climate change response and sustainable development into strategic, long-term priorities in bilateral relations.
Alongside green transition, both leaders consented to promote science – technology, innovation and digital transformation as new drivers of bilateral cooperation. They pledged to advance ties in technology research, application and transfer in terms of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, biotechnology, biomedicine, digital technology and emerging industries. They also concurred in strengthening links between universities, research institutes, innovation centers and businesses in the two countries while promoting high-quality human resources training.
They also discussed healthcare, the circular economy, smart city development, and climate change adaptation, adding that cultural, educational, and tourism connections, local-level cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges will also be expanded.
On multilateral cooperation, the leaders shared views on regional and international issues. They agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and other multilateral forums, uphold multilateralism and respect for international law, and promote ASEAN–EU relations in a substantive and effective manner.
Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge to foster cooperation between Denmark and ASEAN, General Secretary and President Lam stated.
Emphasizing the need to translate cooperation commitments into tangible results, the Vietnamese leader and the Danish PM agreed to work closely together and direct relevant ministries and agencies to promptly and effectively implement the orientations, commitments and agreements reached, ensuring that the new framework for bilateral relations delivers practical benefits to the peoples of both countries.
