Vietnam's Party General Secretary and President To Lam and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen agreed to upgrade bilateral ties during talks in Copenhagen on Oct. 20, adopting a joint statement marking a new phase in relations.

The announcement coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1971-2026). Denmark becomes the second European Union member to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.

Both leaders pledged to strengthen political trust, expand high-level exchanges and improve cooperation among government agencies, businesses and localities.

Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen (L) and Vietnam's Party General Secretary and President To Lam show the joint statement on the establishment of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at their talks in Copenhagen on Oct. 20, 2026. Photo by VNA

Economic, trade and investment cooperation will be a key pillar of the partnership. The two sides agreed to implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement effectively, facilitate market access and encourage businesses to participate more deeply in global value and supply chains.

Frederiksen expressed Denmark's interest in expanding investment in Vietnam, particularly in high-tech, environmentally friendly and high-value-added projects. The Vietnamese leader welcomed the contributions of Danish companies including LEGO, Maersk, Pandora, Carlsberg and Vestas, and called for stronger policy dialogue and investment promotion.

Green transition and renewable energy will remain central to bilateral cooperation. Denmark pledged to share technology and experience to help Vietnam improve energy efficiency, develop renewable power and achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

The Vietnamese leader called on Denmark to support Vietnam in mobilizing green finance, developing large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind power, and implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership.

The two countries also agreed to expand cooperation in strategic infrastructure, seaports, logistics, green maritime transport and supply chains. Party General Secretary and President Lam welcomed Danish companies' participation in developing Vietnam's port system, logistics centers and green transport corridors.

The talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam (second, left) and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen (third, right) in Copenhagen on Oct. 20, 2026. Photo by VNA

Science, technology and innovation will be additional priorities, with cooperation planned in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, biomedicine and digital technologies. Both sides will strengthen links among universities, research institutes, innovation centers and businesses, while promoting high-quality workforce training.

Other areas of cooperation include healthcare, the circular economy, smart cities, climate adaptation, education, culture and tourism. Frederiksen praised the contributions of more than 18,000 Vietnamese people living in Denmark, saying they had integrated well into Danish society and helped strengthen bilateral ties.

On international issues, the two leaders agreed to coordinate more closely at the United Nations and other multilateral forums, uphold international law and promote ASEAN-EU relations. Party General Secretary and President Lam said Vietnam was ready to serve as a bridge for cooperation between Denmark and ASEAN.

Both leaders pledged to direct relevant agencies to implement their agreements effectively. The Vietnamese leader invited Frederiksen to visit Vietnam, and she accepted the invitation.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between ministries, agencies and businesses of the two countries.