Vietnam, Switzerland pledge closer cooperation as ties reach 55-year milestone

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and visiting Swiss President Guy Parmelin reaffirmed their commitment at a state banquet held in Hanoi on the evening of October 17.

Addressing the function, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam described President Parmelin’s visit as particularly significant as the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and explore new prospects for friendship and cooperation.

He noted that Switzerland is widely associated in Vietnam with the peaceful Alpine landscape, world-class science and technology, strong innovation capabilities and a commitment to peace, compassion and mutual support.

Geneva also holds a special place in Vietnam’s national memory. He recalled that the 1954 Geneva Accords recognised Vietnam’s fundamental national rights to independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Together with the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Victory, the accords marked the success of Vietnam’s resistance against French colonial rule and opened a new chapter in the country’s struggle for national liberation.

For the Vietnamese people, he added, Geneva remains a reminder of the aspiration to live in peace and determine their own future.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1971, Vietnam and Switzerland have steadily nurtured friendship, strengthened political trust and expanded cooperation across a range of fields. Achievements in trade, investment, development cooperation and people-to-people exchanges have helped bring bilateral ties to greater depth.

The establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership in January 2025 marked a new stage in relations, reflecting both countries’ determination to elevate their cooperation.

The Vietnamese leader expressed confidence that the two sides could build on their strong political foundations and close people-to-people ties to deliver more tangible benefits. He highlighted science and technology, innovation and high-quality human resource development as areas where Vietnam hopes to make further progress with Switzerland.

He also called for closer contributions to maintaining peace and stability and addressing shared global challenges, adding that stronger bilateral ties would create more opportunities for both countries to contribute to global peace and prosperity.

Trade agreement expected to boost economic ties

President Parmelin, for his part, described his earlier talks with the Vietnamese leader as highly productive, particularly regarding the close political and economic partnership between the two countries.

He noted that the visit coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and that Vietnam and Switzerland have built a lasting friendship based on mutual respect, trust and strong links between their peoples since 1971.

President Parmelin also pointed to a major milestone expected on October 18, i.e. the signing of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). He said the agreement would open up new prospects for businesses in both countries and bring their economies closer together.

The Swiss president emphasised that strong bilateral relations require sustained contributions from governments, businesses, organisations and, above all, the people of both countries.

The banquet followed the leaders’ talks earlier on October 17, during which they discussed ways to deepen the Vietnam–Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership. Their agenda included trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, environmental protection and security cooperation.

Later that evening, the two leaders, along with their spouses, took a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake’s pedestrian area in Hanoi, where they interacted with local residents.

Vietnam, Switzerland outline priorities to deepen comprehensive partnership

VOV.VN - Vietnam and Switzerland will strengthen their Comprehensive Partnership, by identifying six priority areas for cooperation ranging from trade and investment to science and technology, environmental protection and security.