The Danish monarch presented the prestigious honor to To Lam on the morning of October 19 (local time). The Order of the Elephant is Denmark's highest decoration, traditionally bestowed upon members of royal families and foreign heads of state.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), To Lam was deeply moved to receive the honor and expressed his wish to dedicate it to the Vietnamese people, as well as generations of Vietnamese and Danish citizens who have laid the foundations for and nurtured the friendship between the two nations over the past 55 years.

He also dedicated the recognition to people in both countries who are continuing that legacy today, helping usher bilateral relations into a new chapter.

To Lam said the decoration would serve as a lasting reminder of the affection and friendship that the Danish royal family and people have shown toward Vietnam, as well as the shared responsibility to preserve and build upon the legacy created by generations in both countries.

The presentation of the Order of the Elephant during To Lam's state visit, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark (1971-2026), carries profound political and diplomatic significance.

It reflects both the Danish monarch's respect for the Vietnamese leader and the royal family's high regard for relations with Vietnam.

Also on the morning of October 19, To Lam and his wife, Ngo Phuong Ly, joined King Frederik X and Queen Mary in laying a wreath at Denmark's Monument to International Effort at the Kastellet fortress in Copenhagen.

The memorial honors those who have served, contributed and sacrificed their lives while carrying out Denmark's international missions since 1948.

At the memorial, To Lam and King Frederik X reviewed a guard of honor.

Following the solemn wreath-laying ceremony, To Lam, his wife, King Frederik X and Queen Mary observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving on Danish international missions.

In 2007, the Danish government decided to establish the memorial to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of military personnel, police officers and other public servants who have participated in international missions since 1948.

Inaugurated in 2011, the monument is constructed primarily of granite.

It serves as a venue for remembrance ceremonies and wreath-laying events attended by the Danish royal family, government and armed forces.

The memorial is also open to the public, offering a place to honor those who have contributed to international peacekeeping, security and humanitarian relief efforts.

Tran Thuong