On October 20, Party General Secretary and President To Lam held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.

Frederiksen said the visit by To Lam and his spouse was particularly significant as Vietnam and Denmark celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1971-2026).

She described the visit as a demonstration of political trust and a shared determination to take bilateral relations into a new phase of development.

The Danish prime minister congratulated Vietnam on its major achievements in economic reform, socioeconomic development and international integration.

She also praised Vietnam's increasingly important regional and global role, describing the country as one of Denmark's key partners in Southeast Asia.

From their traditional development cooperation relationship, Vietnam and Denmark have become reliable, equal and mutually beneficial partners.

Major milestones include the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and a Green Strategic Partnership in 2023.

The two leaders agreed on the importance of seizing new opportunities and building on their respective strengths to advance bilateral cooperation while contributing to each country's development objectives.

Against this backdrop, To Lam and Frederiksen agreed to adopt a Joint Statement upgrading Vietnam-Denmark relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The decision opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, establishing a stronger political framework and fresh momentum for deeper, more substantive and effective cooperation.

Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark is the second European Union member state to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and expressed her desire to further strengthen cooperation under the upgraded framework.

To translate the new partnership into concrete results, the leaders agreed to enhance political trust and people-to-people exchanges, improve the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and strengthen ties between ministries, agencies, local authorities, businesses and citizens.

Trade and investment identified as key pillars

The two leaders identified economic, trade and investment cooperation as a central pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

They agreed to continue implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) effectively, promote market access and facilitate greater participation by businesses from both countries in global value chains and supply chains.

Both sides also aim to increase bilateral trade.

Frederiksen praised Vietnam's investment and business environment and its development prospects, reaffirming Denmark's commitment to expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation.

She expressed support for Danish businesses seeking to establish a stronger and longer-term presence in Vietnam, particularly through high-tech, environmentally friendly and high-value-added projects.

To Lam welcomed the presence and contributions of leading Danish companies, including LEGO, Maersk, Pandora, Carlsberg and Vestas, alongside other Danish investors operating in Vietnam.

He emphasized the need to strengthen policy dialogue and investment promotion to turn cooperation commitments into concrete projects.

Green transition and renewable energy remain strategic priorities

The leaders agreed to build on the Green Strategic Partnership, making energy transition, climate change response and sustainable development long-term strategic priorities.

Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark's readiness to share expertise and technology to help Vietnam develop renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, promote a just energy transition and fulfill its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

To Lam called on Denmark to provide greater support in improving Vietnam's policy framework, mobilizing green finance and advancing large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind power.

He also sought Danish assistance in implementing Vietnam's Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

The leaders agreed to expand cooperation in strategic infrastructure, seaports, logistics, green shipping and supply chain connectivity.

To Lam welcomed greater Danish business participation in developing Vietnam's port network, logistics centers, transport infrastructure and green transport corridors.

Science, technology and innovation to drive future cooperation

Alongside the green transition, the two leaders agreed to make science and technology, innovation and digital transformation new drivers of bilateral cooperation.

They called for stronger collaboration in research, technology applications and technology transfer across fields including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, biomedicine, digital technologies and emerging industries.

Both sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in healthcare, the circular economy, smart urban development and climate adaptation.

Cultural exchanges, education, tourism, cooperation between localities and people-to-people connections will also be expanded.

Frederiksen particularly praised the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Denmark, which numbers more than 18,000 people.

She said the community has integrated well into Danish society, contributed positively to local socioeconomic development and helped strengthen friendship between the two countries.

Closer coordination at international forums

On multilateral cooperation, the leaders exchanged views on international and regional issues and agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, respect for international law and more substantive and effective ASEAN-EU relations.

Vietnam expressed its readiness to serve as a bridge to promote cooperation between Denmark and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

With the addition of Denmark, Vietnam now has Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with 15 countries.

They are China (May 2008), Russia (July 2012), India (September 2016), South Korea (December 2022), the United States (September 2023), Japan (November 2023), Australia (March 2024), France (October 2024), Malaysia (November 2024), New Zealand (February 2025), Indonesia and Singapore (March 2025), Thailand (May 2025), the United Kingdom (October 2025) and Denmark (October 2026).

Tran Thuong