Việt Nam and Denmark have officially upgraded their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in their diplomatic engagement. The announcement came following discussions between Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen. This development signifies a new phase of collaboration between the two nations as they prepare to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties in 2026.
This enhanced partnership is set to bolster political connections and extend cooperation across crucial sectors, including trade, investment, renewable energy, and technology. Denmark now joins a select group of European Union member states that have established this level of partnership with Việt Nam.
Trade and investment have been identified as key elements of this upgraded relationship. Both leaders committed to reinforcing the implementation of the EU–Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement, which aims to enhance market access and integrate businesses more deeply into international supply chains. Denmark expressed a keen interest in expanding its investments in Việt Nam, focusing on high-tech, eco-friendly industries and high-value-added projects. Tô Lâm acknowledged the contributions of prominent Danish companies such as LEGO, Maersk, and Pandora, urging stronger investment promotion and policy dialogue to translate commitments into tangible projects.
Renewable energy and climate action are prioritized under the new partnership. Denmark has pledged to share its expertise and technology to aid Việt Nam’s transition to cleaner energy, with a focus on energy efficiency and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Collaborative efforts will also target developing large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind power, and implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership.
In the realm of technology and innovation, the two governments have agreed to enhance cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital transformation. This includes fostering partnerships among universities, research institutes, and businesses to promote skills development and training in emerging industries.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening relations between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Việt Nam also expressed its readiness to facilitate stronger ties between Denmark and ASEAN.
The leaders concluded their meeting by instructing relevant ministries and agencies to implement the agreements under the new partnership framework, underscoring their dedication to achieving practical results in their shared priorities. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen accepted an invitation to visit Việt Nam, further solidifying the commitment to this enhanced bilateral relationship.