Vietnam–Switzerland ties steadily advancing: Diplomat
Since the start of Vietnam-Switzerland diplomatic relations in 1971, bilateral ties have grown stronger and stronger, with development and economic cooperation serving as the primary engine.
Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh (left) meets with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter during his trip to attend the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2025. (Photo: VNA)
Geneva (VNA) – Vietnam and Switzerland have enjoyed steadily growing relations, with development cooperation and economic ties se🍌rving as key pillars of the partnership, according to former Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Ivo Siber.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Geneva on the occasion of National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s participation in the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, Siber underlined that since the start of diplomatic relations in 1971, bilateral ties have grown stronger and stronger. Development and economic cooperation has been the primary engine behind this progress since the early 1990s and is expected to be further promoted in the coming time.
He said Switzerland strongly supported Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which paved the way for new opportunities for both Vietnam and Swiss businesses. Swiss enterprises have so far invested over 2 billion USD in Vietnam.
Beyond economic ties, bilateral relations have also broadened into areas such as cultural exchange, tourism, people-to-people links, and political dialogue.
Siber expressed optimism that high-level contacts between the two nations will inject fresh momentum into negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member. He highlighted the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), signed in 2020, as a successful model demonstrating the value of such accords in strengthening ties in trade, investment, and beyond.
The next round of official negotiations between Vietnam and EFTA is expected to take place in early September in Geneva. Parliamentary delegations from EFTA member countries are also coordinating with their Vietnamese counterparts in preparation for a visit to Vietnam next spring.
Amid recent disruptions in the global trading environment, Siber stressed that a timely conclusion of the EFTA–Vietnam FTA will boost trade and investment flows. With shared interests and Switzerland’s consistent commitment to international cooperation and the rule of law, both countries are well-positioned to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes that extend beyond a conventional trade pact.
He emphasised that ongoing dialogue and the identification of common values will help both sides strengthen collaboration for shared progress. Chairman Man’s current visit to Switzerland and the revival of FTA talks are concrete steps forward, reinforced by cooperation momentum within ASEAN, the United Nations, various multilateral frameworks, and the Swiss–Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF)./.
National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse met with staff from Vietnamese representative offices and members of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland on July 27 (local time) in Geneva.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s working trip to Switzerland reaffirms Vietnam’s policies and great efforts in promoting socio-economic development, multilateralism, and global cooperation. It highlights the country’s strong commitment to being a responsible and constructive member of the international community, while elevating the position and role of Vietnam and its legislature in the global arena.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s participation in the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, along with his bilateral activities in Switzerland, underscore Vietnam’s steady policy of advancing the Vietnam - Switzerland comprehensive partnership.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Over the past five decades, the Vietnam - Angola relationship has grown steadily, marked by political trust and close bonds between their Parties, States, Governments, and peoples, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.
President Luong Cuong called on the two countries to join hands to promote South – South cooperation, contribute to building a fair and equal global political and economic order, safeguard independence and sovereignty, and promote extensive and substantive international solidarity and cooperation.
President Luong Cuong called on the community to remain united, integrate well into local society, adhere to local laws, and continue contributing to both Angola’s development and Vietnam – Angola relations.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of Angola Carolina Cerqueira agreed to continue strengthening political trust, boost high-level delegation exchanges via all channels, including the parliamentary one, and create favourable legal conditions for bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with the press right after concluding their talks and witnessing the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the two countries in Luanda on August 7.
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.
At the dialogue, both sides expressed satisfaction with the intensive and extensive development of bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.
The robust collaboration between the Vietnamese National Assembly and Japan’s National Diet, particularly between the two nations’ parliamentary friendship groups, is a hallmark of bilateral relations, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long received British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew in Hanoi on August 7, affirming education as a standout pillar in the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership.
Vietnam consistently considers Japan one of its most important and long-term strategic partners that will continue to accompany the country in the new era, said Party General Secretary To Lam.
Diep expressed her hope that the Consulate General would serve as a bridge to connect Can Tho with Australian partners in key areas such as trade, investment, healthcare, education, and high-quality workforce training.
The grand parade in Hanoi on September 2 is intended to reaffirm the historic significance and lasting legacy of the August Revolution and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It also reflects the ongoing development of the armed forces under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam over the past 80 years.
Building on the shared strengths of both sides, the diplomat expressed her hope for deeper cooperation with Rhodes, particularly in tourism, hospitality, education, and labour.
President Cuong and the delegation laid a wreath in commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh at the late leader's statue in the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola. They also laid wreaths at the memorial stele on Ho Chi Minh Avenue and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Luanda.
