General Secretary and President To Lam, accompanied by his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, visited the Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels on October 24. The visit is notable because it combined diplomatic dialogue with a cultural presentation.

During the tour, the couple presented a set of books that showcase Vietnam’s history, culture, land and people. Among them was a publication containing excerpts from the Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks, which UNESCO has recognised as World Documentary Heritage.

The presentation was described as part of ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and to strengthen Vietnam‑Belgium relations. President To Lam stressed that culture acts as a bridge between the two peoples and asked for closer cooperation in book and document exchanges, preservation and digitisation.

Sara Lammens, director of the Royal Library, said the donation is a valuable testament to Vietnam’s long‑standing heritage. The library pledged to carefully preserve the donated materials and to promote their value, giving readers and researchers better access.

This gesture illustrates how cultural gifts can deepen friendship between nations while safeguarding shared heritage. By keeping the Vietnamese books safe and accessible, the Royal Library helps both countries learn from each other’s past.