Việt Nam and Denmark have announced an upgrade in their bilateral relations, advancing to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This development, revealed during discussions between Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, marks a new phase of cooperation as the two nations approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aims to bolster political connections and deepen collaboration in crucial economic and strategic areas. Denmark is now the second European Union member to form such a partnership with Việt Nam. Central to this upgraded relationship is the enhancement of trade and investment, with both leaders committing to greater implementation of the EU–Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement and improved market accessibility. Denmark has expressed interest in expanding investments in Việt Nam, particularly in high-tech, eco-friendly industries, and high-value-added projects, while Vietnamese leadership encourages the involvement of Danish businesses such as LEGO, Maersk, Pandora, Carlsberg, and Vestas.
Renewable energy and sustainable development are set to be major priorities under this new partnership. Denmark has pledged to provide expertise and technology to aid Việt Nam’s transition to cleaner energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and support the country’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Tô Lâm has sought Danish assistance in mobilizing green finance and developing significant renewable energy projects, especially offshore wind power.
Both countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, focusing on fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and biomedicine. This collaboration will extend to educational partnerships among universities and research institutes, fostering skills development and training for highly qualified professionals.
Regional and international cooperation were also highlighted, with both leaders reaffirming their support for multilateralism and international law. They emphasized the importance of enhancing relations between the European Union and ASEAN, with Việt Nam ready to facilitate cooperation between Denmark and ASEAN. The leaders concluded their talks by overseeing the exchange of cooperation documents between organizations from both countries, committing to implement the new partnership’s agreements and priorities.