President Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds talks with Swiss counterpart Guy Parmelin

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right, centre) and his Swiss counterpart Guy Parmelin (left, centre) at the talks in Bern city on November 26. (Photo: VNA)

President Phuc, who is paying an official visit to the European country, affirmed that the State and people of Viet Nam always keep in mind and treasure the precious support and assistance that Switzerland has given to their struggle for national independence in the past as well as national development at present.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction that over the last half century, the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries have been growing well in multiple fields.

They discussed areas of cooperation and reached consensus on many measures to advance Viet Nam-Switzerland relations. They agreed to increase exchanges and meetings to further intensify mutual understanding and trust and promote bilateral cooperation in all aspects.

President Parmelin highly valued Viet Nam’s breakthrough achievements in socio-economic development and COVID-19 containment, stressing that Viet Nam is an important economic partner of Switzerland in Southeast Asia.

Asking the Government of Switzerland to encourage Swiss enterprises to invest in Viet Nam, President Phuc noted that the Southeast Asian nation is working hard to improve the business - investment climate and create favourable conditions for foreign firms to operate in the long term.

The leaders agreed to make efforts to soon conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). They also expressed their delight at the progress in scientific - technological cooperation and agreed to further strengthen links in science - technology and education - training.

President Phuc thanked the Swiss Government for providing ODA for Viet Nam. Meanwhile, the Swiss President assessed Viet Nam as an effective ODA using partner, adding that the Swiss Government has decided to continue to provide Viet Nam with 70 million CHF (over 75.6 million USD) worth of ODA in the 2021-2024 period.

The Vietnamese leader thanked the Swiss Government for its donation of medical equipment valued at about 5 million USD for Viet Nam's COVID-19 prevention and control on the occasion of Swiss Vice President Ignazio Casis’s visit to Viet Nam in August. He proposed the two sides promote cooperation between their enterprises and research facilities in the development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs.

President Phuc thanks and proposed the Swiss Government continue creating favourable conditions for the overseas Vietnamese community to well integrate into the host society.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations such as the United Nations and the Asia - Europe cooperation mechanism.

Viet Nam agreed to help Switzerland strengthen its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Regarding the East Sea issue, Switzerland stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, compliance with international law, and settlement of disputes via peaceful measures based on transparent dialogue and trust building.

Vietnamese President meets head of Swiss National Council Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on November 26 met President of the Swiss National Council Andreas Aebi as part of his official visit to Switzerland.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrives in Geneva, starting official visit to Switzerland President Nguyen Xuan Phuc arrived in Geneva, Switzerland on November 26 morning (local time), beginning his official visit to the European country at the invitation ...

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc leaves for official visits to Switzerland, Russia President Nguyen Xuan Phuc left Ha Noi on November 25 night to make official visits to Switzerland and Russia from November 25 to December 2.

Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to pay official visits to Switzerland, Russia President Nguyen Xuan Phuc will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to pay official visits to Switzerland and Russia from November 25 to December 2.