Danish fighter jets escort aircraft carrying Vietnam's top leader To Lam to Copenhagen

After a flight of more than 12 hours from Hanoi, the aircraft carrying Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation entered Danish airspace on Monday morning (local time),

F-35 fighter jets from the Royal Danish Air Force then appeared alongside the aircraft, escorting it toward Copenhagen.

The Danish pilots also performed aerial maneuvers to welcome the delegation.

The escort lasted about 30 minutes before the fighter jets departed as the aircraft approached Copenhagen Airport, according to Tuoi Tre (Youth) reporters accompanying the delegation.

A 'red carpet in the sky'

Vietnam’s top leader To Lam and his spouse began their state visit to Denmark on October 19 at the invitation of King Frederik X and Queen Mary.

The fighter jet escort, likened to a "red carpet in the sky," was a high-level diplomatic gesture reflecting the importance Denmark attaches to the visit, alongside measures to ensure the security and safety of the visiting delegation.

The visit is particularly significant as it marks the first time a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam has visited Denmark since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971.

It is also the first state visit hosted by Denmark in 2026, according to the Danish royal family's published schedule.

Visit expected to deepen bilateral ties

Vietnam and Denmark established diplomatic relations in November 1971, with Denmark becoming one of the first Western countries to forge formal ties with Vietnam.

Their relationship has since expanded considerably, particularly in green development and sustainability.

The two countries established a strategic partnership in climate change, energy, the environment, and green growth in 2011, followed by a comprehensive partnership in 2013.

In November 2023, they further strengthened their ties by establishing a green strategic partnership, underscoring their shared commitment to sustainable development.

Denmark is now among the leading EU investors in Vietnam, with major Danish companies involved in ports, maritime transport, logistics, and green industries.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said the visit offered an opportunity to build on 55 years of friendship, political trust, and cooperation.

She expressed hope that the two countries would establish new strategic directions, elevate bilateral relations, and make Vietnam-Denmark cooperation a model partnership between Vietnam and a Nordic country.