The event took place at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment, with the attendance of Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations; Lina Gandløse Hansen, Ambassador of Denmark to Viet Nam; Le Cong Thanh, President of the Viet Nam-Denmark Friendship Association; Prof. Dr. Huynh Thi Lan Huong, Rector of the university; and representatives of agencies, organizations and businesses, as well as lecturers, former Vietnamese students who studied in Denmark and current students. Nguyen Le Thanh, Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark, joined the event online from Denmark.

Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, delivers remarks at the ceremony. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

55 years of friendship, opening a new chapter of cooperation

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Thi Thu Giang emphasized that Viet Nam-Denmark relations have been built on mutual understanding, trust and solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. On November 25, 1971, during the years of war, Denmark became one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam. Its support laid a valuable foundation for bilateral relations.

Relations between the two countries have gradually evolved from development assistance into a mutually beneficial partnership spanning trade, investment, education, healthcare, energy and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, on October 20, 2026, during the state visit to Denmark by General Secretary and State President To Lam, the two countries upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

According to Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, Denmark is an important economic partner of Viet Nam in Europe, with approximately 150 Danish companies operating in Viet Nam. Bilateral cooperation continues to expand in high technology, renewable energy, the circular economy, smart agriculture and climate change response.

Recognizing the contributions of the two countries' friendship associations to fostering bonds between their peoples, implementing community support projects and promoting cultural exchanges, Nguyen Thi Thu Giang proposed two priority areas for people-to-people diplomacy. The first is to promote the spirit of green cooperation among communities, particularly young people, through cultural exchanges, creative competitions and environmental forums. The second is to strengthen the bridging role of social organizations, localities and alumni networks, enhancing connections among research institutes, universities, businesses and people-to-people organizations. She stressed the importance of preserving and passing on the friendship nurtured across generations.

Danish Ambassador Lina Gandløse Hansen. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At the ceremony, Danish Ambassador Lina Gandløse Hansen reviewed the history of cooperation, from support for infrastructure reconstruction and industrial development in the early years to collaboration in fisheries, agriculture, healthcare and energy. According to the Ambassador, the two countries have transitioned from a development aid relationship to a mutually beneficial partnership. Bilateral government cooperation programs have enabled ministries and sectors to exchange knowledge, develop professional expertise and create favorable conditions for Danish businesses to invest in Viet Nam.

The Ambassador noted that during the state visit to Denmark in October 2026, businesses from the two countries signed 15 agreements at a business forum, while the two governments signed seven memoranda of understanding on cooperation. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership offers opportunities to expand cooperation into technology, innovation, scientific research, defense and security.

Connecting younger generations and bringing friendship to life

Speaking online, Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark Nguyen Le Thanh stated that the friendship between the two countries has stood the test of time and continued to evolve alongside their respective development. She highlighted several key milestones: the Strategic Partnership on climate change, energy, environment and green growth in 2011; the Comprehensive Partnership in 2013; the Green Strategic Partnership in 2023; and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2026.

Regarding economic cooperation, the Ambassador reported that bilateral trade turnover in the first nine months of 2026 increased by nearly 35% year-on-year, equivalent to 93% of the total turnover recorded for the whole of 2025. Denmark currently has 180 active investment projects in Viet Nam, with total registered capital of nearly US$2.5 billion.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark Nguyen Le Thanh joins the ceremony online. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh placed particular emphasis on people-to-people exchanges, education, culture and connections among younger generations. The launch of the direct Ho Chi Minh City-Copenhagen air route in December 2025 has created additional opportunities for trade, investment, tourism and exchanges. In 2025, Viet Nam welcomed nearly 40,000 Danish visitors, while more than 30,000 visited the country in the first eight months of 2026.

In education, in April 2026, the Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark facilitated and coordinated a cultural exchange and experiential learning program between students from Niels Brock Business College (Denmark) and Nguyen Sieu School (Viet Nam).

The Ambassador said that the Denmark-Viet Nam Friendship Association is planning to bring approximately 72 young gymnasts, together with their coaches and officials, to Vietnam in July 2027. The delegation is expected to participate in exchanges, performances and training sessions in Ha Long, Hanoi and Ninh Binh. He expressed his hope that the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Vietnam-Denmark Friendship Association and relevant agencies and localities would support the implementation of this initiative.

Sharing her experiences of meeting Danish people, Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh recalled individuals who had participated in solidarity movements in support of Viet Nam more than half a century ago, as well as those who had lived, studied or worked in Viet Nam and continued to cherish fond memories of the country. According to the Ambassador, behind the frameworks and agreements between the two countries always lie the foundations of mutual affection, trust and close bonds between their peoples.

As the two countries enter the new phase of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark hopes to continue working with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the Viet Nam-Denmark Friendship Association and the Denmark-Viet Nam Friendship Association to promote youth exchanges and connections among experts, scientists, businesses and localities, while supporting practical cooperation initiatives that translate the friendship between the two countries into tangible activities.

Discussion: “Viet Nam-Denmark cooperation: Nurturing young minds for sustainable development.” (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the sharing session entitled “55 years of Viet Nam-Denmark Relations: Cooperation for Green Future” explored the development of bilateral relations, opportunities for cooperation in green transition and innovation, and the role of people-to-people connections.

The discussion, entitled “Viet Nam-Denmark Cooperation: Nurturing Young Minds for Sustainable Development,” focused on the value of people-to-people connections, the role of people-to-people diplomacy, Denmark's experience in green transition, vocational education and sustainable development, alumni network activities, and initiatives to reduce food loss and waste.

An exchange with students aimed to encourage young people to engage in international cooperation, share knowledge and implement community initiatives, thereby carrying forward the friendship between Viet Nam and Denmark.

Delegates pose for a group photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

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