Ho Chi Minh City: King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited the War Remnants Museum and met with children affected by Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in Ho Chi Minh City on April 3, as part of their ongoing state visit to Vietnam. Earlier in the day, the Belgian monarchs visited Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in District 3 to explore Vietnamese Buddhist culture.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the visit to the War Remnants Museum provided the Belgian royals with insights into the historical impacts of the Vietnam War, especially the consequences of the use of Agent Orange. Their meeting with children affected by AO/dioxin highlighted ongoing health challenges faced by many in Vietnam due to the war’s legacy.

The visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda offered King Philippe and Queen Mathilde a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Vietnamese Buddhism. This engagement underscored the importance of cultural exchange and understanding between Belgium and Vietnam during the state visit.