Swiss President Guy Parmelin warmly welcomed in Hanoi on Vietnam visit

Children from the capital welcomed the Swiss President and his entourage by waving the national flags of the two countries and presenting flowers to the visiting couple.

Following the national anthems of Vietnam and Switzerland, the two leaders paid tribute to the military flag and reviewed the guard of honour of the Vietnam People’s Army. They then introduced members of their respective high-level delegations before proceeding to talks.

55 years of diplomatic ties, a new phase of cooperation

Vietnam and Switzerland established diplomatic relations on October 11, 1971. Over the past 55 years, the two countries have maintained friendly relations and expanded cooperation across a range of fields, with Switzerland supporting Vietnam’s reconstruction, development and international integration.

The establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in January 2025 marked a new stage in bilateral relations. Switzerland is an important European trade and investment partner for Vietnam, with bilateral trade exceeding US$1 billion in 2025. It is also the sixth largest European investor in Vietnam.

The two sides have made progress in negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and EFTA, comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The negotiations concluded on July 2, 2026, after 14 years. The agreement is expected to facilitate trade and investment, improve market access and create opportunities for businesses to participate more deeply in international value chains.

The visit also provides an opportunity to advance cooperation in areas where the two countries see potential, including innovation, high-tech workforce training, green transition and financial services. Collaboration in science and technology, research and exchanges among universities, research institutes and businesses could further broaden the partnership.

Switzerland has identified Vietnam as a priority partner in Southeast Asia and sees closer engagement as a way to strengthen its links with ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam’s expanding economy and regional role provide a basis for the two countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment and regional connectivity.

The visit is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and trust while translating the Comprehensive Partnership into more practical cooperation. The anticipated signing of the Vietnam–EFTA free trade agreement on October 18 would mark an important step in expanding economic ties and creating further opportunities for businesses on both sides.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin begins official visit to Vietnam

VOV.VN - Swiss President Guy Parmelin and his spouse, Caroline Parmelin, arrived in Hanoi on October 17, beginning a two-day official visit at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam and his spouse.