General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam and Danish King Frederik X review the guard of honor. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader arrives in Copenhagen, beginning State visit to Denmark

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation arrived at Copenhagen Airport on the morning of October 19 (local time), beginning a three-day State visit to Denmark at the invitation of King Frederik X and Queen Mary.

The King and Queen presided over the solemn welcome ceremony at the airport, greeting the top Vietnamese leader and his spouse at the foot of the aircraft stairs.

The Royal Life Guards Music Band performed a ceremonial march, followed by the national flag salute. Then, the Vietnamese leader and the Danish King reviewed the guard of honor and introduced officials from both sides.

Following the ceremony, the General Secretary and President and his spouse joined the Danish King and Queen in laying a wreath at a memorial in Copenhagen.

Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam in 1971, and has remained an important partner over more than five decades. Bilateral ties have continued to expand, with the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and a Green Strategic Partnership in 2023, cited NDO.

The top Vietnamese leader’s visit is expected to strengthen political trust, set long-term cooperation priorities and further deepen bilateral relations. It also offers an opportunity to promote economic, trade and investment ties, as well as cooperation in science-technology and innovation, in line with the development priorities and needs of both countries.

Viet Nam is entering a new stage of development, focusing on a growth model driven by science-technology, innovation and digital transformation, while advancing green transition and sustainable development. These are areas in which Denmark has considerable strengths.

The two countries have complementary advantages and opportunities to expand cooperation, from policy exchanges and experience sharing to investment, research and technological development, and the training of highly skilled workers. Such efforts could generate new products, solutions and drivers of economic growth.

Denmark has become one of the European Union’s leading investors in Viet Nam and stands out among Nordic partners for high-quality investment and green development. Projects undertaken by major Danish companies, particularly in seaports, maritime transport, logistics and green industries, demonstrate the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation.

The visit takes place as the two countries are celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Building on decades of friendship, political trust and effective cooperation, it is expected to help both sides establish strategic orientations for a new stage of development as well as advance Viet Nam–Denmark cooperation as a model for Viet Nam’s partnership with a Nordic country.

A bright spot in friendly relations and cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU

Thanks to the favorable conditions created by the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), economic cooperation between Viet Nam and the European Union (EU) has achieved significant breakthroughs, with the promise of further successes in the future. The positive momentum in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides provides added impetus for Viet Nam to move forward confidently into a new era.

The 36-year journey of partnership has been marked by robust development in the relationship between Viet Nam and the EU.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, Viet Nam and the EU have made substantial and steady progress — from the signing of the Framework Cooperation Agreement (FCA) in 1995 and the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in 2012, to the EVFTA in 2019.

In early 2026, the two sides elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a promising new chapter for bilateral cooperation. With this milestone, Viet Nam became the first Southeast Asian nation to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU.

By cultivating a strong, long-standing relationship with the EU — while also serving as an active and proactive member in the development of the ASEAN community — Viet Nam has become a vital bridge bringing the EU and ASEAN closer together.

The EVFTA stands as a prominent highlight in the economic cooperation between Viet Nam and the EU. After years of implementation, the agreement is yielding positive results. The EU is currently Viet Nam’s fourth-largest trading partner and third-largest export market, while Viet Nam has become the EU’s largest trading partner within ASEAN, according to NDO.

A meeting of the Subcommittee on Sustainable Development under the EU-Viet Nam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). (Photo courtesy of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam)

With a stable political environment, a rapidly evolving economy, and a high-quality workforce — all of which facilitate cooperation and investment by foreign enterprises — Viet Nam has emerged as an attractive destination, drawing significant interest and capital investment from the EU.

Viet Nam is actively advancing the transformation of its growth model, identifying new drivers rooted in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and the green transition — all areas in which the EU possesses notable strengths.

This creates ample room for both sides to further expand their cooperation. Science, technology, and innovation have become a new pillar of collaboration between Viet Nam and several EU member states.

In 2025, Viet Nam and various EU member states signed several cooperation instruments, including a strategic sectoral partnership agreement on science, technology, and innovation with Sweden; a memorandum of understanding on digital transformation and the digital economy with Estonia; and a cooperation agreement on science, technology, and innovation with France.

These agreements serve as vital foundations, enabling both sides to leverage their respective strengths, deepen their partnership, and contribute to the realisation of each party’s development goals. During a recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Julien Guerrier, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Viet Nam, affirmed that maintaining and strengthening a stable and reliable partnership with Viet Nam is of particular importance to the EU.

The EU seeks to deepen cooperation with Viet Nam in areas such as the green transition, supply chains, transport, and science and technology, while also pledging to remain a steadfast partner to Viet Nam as the country enters a new phase of development.

Opportunities for collaboration between Viet Nam and the EU are expanding, especially in sectors of strategic importance to the sustainable future of both sides.

As it embarks on a new era of development, Viet Nam is determined to elevate its relationship with the EU to new heights. By fostering increasingly effective and substantive bilateral cooperation, Viet Nam and the EU aim to serve as a model for dynamic engagement between Asia and Europe — thereby contributing to global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

800-year Viet Nam–RoK historical bond opens new chapter for cultural ties

An 800-year historical connection between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) has been celebrated, as the two countries' authorities, descendants of Viet Nam's Ly Dynasty in the RoK, and Vietnamese expatriates gathered at Chunghyodang historical site in Bongseong commune, Bonghwa district, Gyeongsangbuk province, to honor Prince Ly Long Tuong’s arrival in Korea in 1226.

The “Quy Long” (Returning Dragon) global exchange event marked eight centuries since the Vietnamese prince and his family left their homeland in present-day Bac Ninh province to settle on the Korean Peninsula, laying the foundation for a lasting bond between the two peoples. Bongseong commune is home to the Lee Hwasan clan - descendants of Prince Ly Long Tuong.

The event also highlighted efforts to preserve and promote shared cultural heritage. In August, the RoK Government officially designated the K-Viet Nam Valley project in Bonghwa as the “K-Viet Nam Valley Bonghwa Special Zone”, recognizing its potential as a centre for cultural exchange, education and research.

For around 370,000 Vietnamese people living, studying and working in the RoK, Bonghwa and K-Viet Nam Valley are becoming a shared home where they can maintain their cultural roots and strengthen their sense of national pride.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho said Prince Ly Long Tuong’s journey represented acceptance, compassion, integration and the preservation of cultural identity across generations.

He expressed his hope that K-Viet Nam Valley would become more than a construction project or tourist destination, developing instead into a living heritage site where people could learn about history, share cultures and reconnect with their roots, VNA reported.

Part of the 250-meter “Dragon Road” procession held at the celebration. (Photo: VNA)

Nghiem Xuan Huong, Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh City People’s Council, said the spirit of the homeland has endured for eight centuries, serving as a symbolic bridge between the two nations. He presented two dragon statues inspired by Ly Dynasty art as gifts from Bac Ninh, describing them as symbols of peace, prosperity and enduring friendship.

Bac Ninh pledged to work closely with Gyeongsangbuk province and Bonghwa district to expand cooperation in culture, education, people-to-people exchanges and tourism.

Bonghwa Mayor Choi Ki Young said the prince’s journey had created a valuable historical bond between the two countries and that the anniversary offered an opportunity to write a new chapter in their relationship.

Yang Geum Hee, Vice Governor of Gyeongsangbuk province, noted the strong Vietnamese presence in the locality, saying Vietnamese nationals accounted for three out of every 10 registered foreign residents in the province. She pledged to develop K-Viet Nam Valley into a hub for cultural exchange, tourism and education while promoting practical cooperation in trade, investment and seasonal employment.

The ceremony featured a calligraphy performance conveying the message “Building a better future together from a precious 800-year bond”, accompanied by the national anthems of both countries performed by a multicultural Vietnamese-Korean children’s choir.

A 250-meter “Dragon Road” procession entered Chunghyodang after three ceremonial drumbeats. The venue was illuminated by 800 solar-powered LED lotus flowers symbolizing the eight centuries of history.

Highlights included the unveiling of a poetic inscription honoring young hero Ly Truong Phat, a descendant of Prince Ly Long Tuong, and the inauguration of two six-meter-long, 1.5-meter-high Ly dynasty-style dragon statues donated by Bac Ninh.

Viet Nam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement targeted for implementation in 2027

Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who is also Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, in Hanoi on October 18 to discuss measures to bring the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) into force at an early date, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation into new areas.

The meeting took place during President Parmelin’s official visit to Viet Nam on October 17–18, as the two countries are celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (October 11, 1971–2026).

Hung welcomed President Parmelin and his delegation, expressing gratitude for the Swiss leader’s direct guidance in bringing negotiations on the FTA to a successful conclusion on July 2, 2026 after more than 14 years and 21 formal rounds of talks. The agreement was signed in Hanoi on the morning of October 18 in the presence of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam.

Switzerland is Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the EFTA. Swiss statistics showed that bilateral trade reached approximately 3.5 billion USD in 2025, up nearly 26%. According to Viet Nam's Department of Customs, two-way trade totalled 806.2 million USD in the first nine months of 2026. As of September 30, Switzerland had 247 valid investment projects in Viet Nam, with total registered capital of around 2.5 billion USD, ranking 20th among 154 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian country.

Hung said his ministry will work with relevant ministries and agencies to submit the agreement for the Government's approval and issue an implementation plan and related legal documents. He called on both sides to exchange updates regularly on the ratification progress and urged EFTA members, including Switzerland, to complete their procedures promptly so that the agreement could take effect from early 2027.

To help businesses seize opportunities, the official proposed Switzerland and other EFTA members provide information about the agreement, particularly to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), align support programs with its implementation, and strengthen cooperation on rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical barriers to trade. He affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to fully implementing its obligations, including those on intellectual property, cited VNA.

Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung (L) meets with Swiss President Guy Parmelin. (Photo: Ministry of Industry and Trade)

To achieve the leaders’ goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030, Hung called for improved Swiss market access for Vietnamese agricultural, aquatic and processed food products, greater purchases by major Swiss distribution networks, and continued support through the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO) and SwissTrade project.

He also encouraged Swiss businesses to expand investment in precision engineering, supporting industries, food processing, renewable energy, commercial infrastructure and logistics. Viet Nam will work closely with Switzerland to finalise a bilateral agreement on cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, implement the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs’ (SECO) 2025–2028 economic development cooperation program, and expand collaboration in science and technology, innovation, smart factories and derivatives market management.

President Parmelin praised the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade’s role in the negotiations, and pledged to promote ratification, encourage Swiss investment in Viet Nam and maintain cooperation through SECO programs. The two sides also discussed reviewing and updating their bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, as well as cooperation in areas such as SMEs and vocational training.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges on approval and ratification progress and translate the agreed cooperation areas into concrete action, helping make the Viet Nam–Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership more substantive and effective.

Super Typhoon Champi heads toward Taiwan, with low chance of entering East Sea

Super Typhoon Champi is moving northwest toward Taiwan (China), with winds reaching level 16 and gusts above level 17. Although unlikely to enter the East Sea, it could bring strong winds and waves up to five meters high.

According to Viet Nam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Champi was active over the northwestern Pacific Ocean on the afternoon of October 18, becoming the 30th storm recorded in the region this year.

At 1 p.m., the storm's center was located near 13.1 degrees north latitude and 142 degrees east longitude, with sustained winds at level 16 and gusts exceeding level 17 on Viet Nam's wind scale, placing it in the super typhoon category.

At that time, Champi was approximately 2,700 kilometers east of the Philippines.

Over the next 24 hours, the super typhoon is forecast to move west-northwest at an average speed of around 20 kilometers per hour, heading toward Taiwan, China. Its maximum intensity is expected to remain at level 16, with gusts above level 17.

Champi is forecast to maintain its extreme strength over the following two days. From October 21, the storm is expected to gradually weaken to around level 15, although gusts could still exceed level 17.

By the time it approaches Taiwan, the typhoon is expected to retain winds at level 15, with gusts above level 17.

Northern East Sea could experience gusts reaching level 10

Vietnamese meteorologists say current forecasts indicate that Super Typhoon Champi is unlikely to enter the East Sea.

The probability of the storm moving into the northeastern East Sea is estimated at just 10-20%.

Meanwhile, there is an 80-90% probability that Champi will continue northwestward, potentially affecting Taiwan and coastal provinces of mainland China.

This assessment is consistent with forecasts from meteorological agencies in Japan, China and the United States, which indicate that Champi could make landfall in Taiwan around October 23.

Nevertheless, even if the storm remains outside the East Sea, its powerful circulation could strengthen winds across the northern part of the sea in the coming days, VNN reported.

The Japan Meteorological Agency's forecast track for Super Typhoon Champi. Source: NCHMF

With Champi expected to retain winds at level 15 and gusts above level 17, its outer circulation could still produce hazardous marine conditions.

Around October 21, the storm's western circulation may begin affecting the northeastern portion of the northeastern East Sea, increasing winds to level 6.

By October 23-24, northeasterly winds across the northern East Sea could strengthen to levels 6-7, with gusts reaching levels 9-10.

Wave heights could reach 3-5 meters, creating rough and potentially dangerous sea conditions.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said it is continuing to monitor Super Typhoon Champi closely and will update its forecasts as the storm develops.

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