HCMC – Vietnam and Switzerland have agreed to enhance their bilateral relationship, aiming for a comprehensive partnership, reported the Government news site (baochinhphu.vn).
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter on January 21, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and education, while also addressing global and regional challenges. They emphasized the need to build political trust and deepen collaboration in science, technology, and sustainable development.
“The Swiss government considers Vietnam an important partner in the region,” said Keller-Sutter, expressing her hope to elevate bilateral ties further.
Both sides prioritized the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association. They also expressed commitment to resuming talks on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement to facilitate economic exchanges and long-term investments.
PM Chinh commended Switzerland’s support for Vietnam’s development and called for enhanced cooperation in emerging sectors such as innovation, digital transformation, and climate change mitigation.
The leaders also emphasized defense and security cooperation, including defense industry development and training. Chinh urged a stronger focus on education partnerships, particularly in establishing high-quality institutions and fostering cooperation between universities and research centers.
Switzerland welcomed Vietnam’s recent decision to grant unilateral short-term visa exemptions to Swiss citizens, aimed at fostering people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders committed to greater coordination in addressing global challenges and strengthening ties in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the ASEAN-Switzerland partnership.
During the meeting, they witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the foreign ministries of the two nations. Prime Minister Chinh also invited President Keller-Sutter to visit Vietnam, and she accepted the invitation.
