Bern City, 26 November 2021 (TDI): Vietnamese President, Nguyen Xuan Phuc held talks with Swiss President, Guy Parmelin, in Bern City, today. President Phuc thank the Swiss Government for a donation of medical equipment. Switzerland sent medical facilities worth $5 million to help Vietnam to combat COVID-19.

The two stressed strengthening coordination and mutual support at the multilateral forum. They also committed to working together on international organizations such as the United Nations and the Asia-Europe Meeting.

Vietnam and Switzerland are near concluding negotiations over the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). This agreement will boost bilateral economic cooperation accordingly between the two.

EFTA consists of 4 countries including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. During the discussions, the Vietnamese President also urged Switzerland to enhance cooperation with ASEAN.

East Sea Dispute 

While discussing the East Sea issue, the Swiss President underscored the importance of ensuring maritime freedom. He also told that observation of international law and settlement of disputes through peaceful measures based on transparent dialogues and trust-building are only solutions to disputes pertaining to maritime issues.

Swiss-Vietnam Trade

Switzerland and Vietnam are key trading partners. The trade graph between the two states jumped to a new record of US$3.6 billion in 2019. Switzerland is the 6th biggest European investor in Vietnam. The total registered capital invested in Southeast Asian states $2 billion.

Many Swiss business giants are also working in Vietnam, including Nestle, ABB, Novartis, Roche, and Holcim. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc is on a 5-Day official trip to Switzerland. He will meet senior state dignitaries during the visit.

Earlier, he was hosted by Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin through a reception ceremony. He will also visit Russia after the conclusion of his tour of Switzerland.

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