Common values and similar visions have opened broad new space for cooperation between the two countries, in which science and technology, innovation, green transition, and digital transformation are emerging as new and symbolic drivers.
From a warm fairy-tale setting
In recent days, the historic capital Copenhagen, with its fairy-tale atmosphere, has become livelier with activities of the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. The visit by To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President, along with his spouse and the delegation has marked an important milestone in the history of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
This was the first state visit to Denmark by a general secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee. The Danish royal family accorded the delegation a very respectful welcome, reflecting the warm sentiments of King Frederik X and the Queen Mary towards Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, as well as the Danish Royal Government’s high regard for cooperation with Viet Nam.
Notably, King Frederik X repeatedly shared memories of Ha Noi and attended most of the activities during the visit, demonstrating his sincere and warm affection for the country and people of Viet Nam. In 1971, when Viet Nam was still at war and suffering severe devastation, Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam. It was also home to a strong people’s movement supporting the Vietnamese struggle for national independence and reunification.
Since then, Denmark has provided development assistance to Viet Nam, focusing on infrastructure development, poverty reduction, sustainable development, administrative reform, environmental protection, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. Over the past 55 years, bilateral relations have undergone a strong transformation from development assistance to an equal and mutually beneficial partnership.
Today, Denmark is one of the EU’s leading investors in Viet Nam and stands out among Nordic partners for high-quality investment and green development. Projects by major Danish companies — particularly in seaports, maritime transport, logistics, and green industries — provide vivid evidence of the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation.
In the warm atmosphere of a meeting with Danish friends, General Secretary and President To Lam stressed that geographical distance has never been a barrier, as the two peoples have always treated each other with respect and sincere affection. Viet Nam has always valued Denmark’s precious support and assistance since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, throughout national reconstruction and development, and in the current process of renewal, international integration, and green transition.
The General Secretary and President To Lam shared that, for many Vietnamese people, Denmark has long felt familiar through the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. The steadfast tin soldier and the little match girl with her simple dreams became part of childhood memories, reminding generations to cherish compassion and hope, care for those less fortunate, and strive to overcome hardship.
Danish fairy tales share many similarities with Vietnamese legends. Recounting Viet Nam’s story of “rising to a new era” and a friendship nurtured over the years, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam affirmed that the future story of Viet Nam and Denmark would be written not only through fairy-tale magic, but also through trust, knowledge, will, and determination of the two peoples. The substance of bilateral cooperation needs to evolve flexibly with the times, towards a more comprehensive and strategic model in which Denmark’s strengths in science and technology and green transition converge with Viet Nam’s political determination and potential for rapid and sustainable development.
Towards aspiration for a green future
One of the first impressions Copenhagen leaves on visitors is the steady stream of bicycles filling the streets, especially during the morning rush hour, along with densely arranged bicycle parking areas across the city. Many parents take their children to school on bicycles fitted with front seats resembling miniature Vietnamese cyclos.
Copenhagen has a well-developed and integrated cycling infrastructure, with traffic management systems giving priority to bicycles to ensure safe and convenient travel. In addition, 100% of the city’s buses are electric and efficiently connected, meeting the high mobility needs of residents. As a result, despite its busy streets and fast pace of life, the city remains peaceful and clean. Denmark is a global pioneer in green urban planning and the transition towards sustainable development models.
Since the 1970s, Denmark has sought to reduce its dependence on imported fuels and improve energy efficiency. Over the past several decades, its capacity in energy saving, renewable energy development, and production optimisation has become a competitive advantage for many Danish companies. The country aims to cut emissions by 70% by 2030, by 100% by 2045, and achieve net-negative emissions by 2050.
Energy has been regarded as one of the most prominent and substantive areas of cooperation between the two countries. Since 2013, they have implemented the Viet Nam-Denmark Energy Partnership Programme (DEPP), supporting Viet Nam in energy planning, renewable energy integration, improving power system efficiency, and promoting low-carbon development.
The two sides have begun implementing the Viet Nam-Denmark Energy Partnership Programme for the 2026-2030 period, focusing on offshore wind power, power system planning, grid flexibility, energy security, and green energy transition.
Denmark is also an active member of the International Partners Group supporting Viet Nam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), contributing to the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Denmark has also supported Viet Nam in carrying out various activities on energy efficiency and developing green production models.
During his meeting with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen affirmed Denmark’s readiness to continue sharing experience and technology and supporting Viet Nam in developing renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, advancing a just energy transition, and fulfilling its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam proposed that Denmark strengthen support for Viet Nam in improving its policy framework, mobilising green finance, and advancing large-scale renewable energy projects, especially offshore wind power, while helping Viet Nam effectively implement the JETP. He welcomed Danish businesses’ participation in developing seaport systems, logistics centres, transport infrastructure, and green transport corridors in Viet Nam.
Along with agreeing to expand cooperation in strategic infrastructure, seaports, logistics, green shipping, and supply chain connectivity, the two sides emphasised cooperation in climate change adaptation and green growth, agreed to continue pursuing ambitious emissions reduction targets, and pledged to further facilitate green and sustainable growth in Viet Nam.
In the coming period, Viet Nam and Denmark will promote science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as new drivers of bilateral cooperation; strengthen research, application, and technology transfer in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, biotechnology, biomedicine, digital technology, and emerging industries; and enhance links among universities, research institutes, innovation centres, and businesses of the two countries, while promoting the training of high-quality human resources.
The state visit to the Kingdom of Denmark by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation achieved very positive results. Major orientations for a new stage of development were identified, contributing to turning the bilateral friendship into a model of cooperation between Viet Nam and the Nordic partner.
