The visits aim to boost all-round cooperation in education, training, the environment, urban management, infrastructure construction, tourism development and policy-making between Hanoi capital and these two Swiss cities.

On March 21, the delegation led by Council Chairwoman Ngo Thi Doan Thanh held working sessions with Geneva authorities and its tourism agency.

Both sides briefed each other on socio-economic achievements of their respective cities, as well as functions and operations of people-elected agencies.

The Geneva authorities expressed pleasure at positive developments of relationship between Switzerland and Vietnam in recent years and hoped to increase cooperation in economics, culture and education with Hanoi.

Ms Thanh briefed her hosts on Hanoi’s achievements after it was enlarged in 2008, and its preparations for a grand celebration of its 1,000^th anniversary in October. She invited Swiss officials, including those from Geneva city and Bern capital, to come and attend the ceremony.