Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam is seen during a phone talk with Swiss President Guy Parmelin from Hanoi, May 11, 2026. Photo: Vietnam News Agency
The agreement was reached during a high-level phone call on Monday between Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Swiss President Guy Parmelin, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Vietnamese leader highlighted the significance of the call, noting that it took place as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He stressed Vietnam’s strong attachment to its long-standing friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Switzerland, reaffirming its desire to further deepen the comprehensive partnership established in January 2025.
The Vietnamese official also described Switzerland as one of Vietnam’s most important partners in Europe and expressed hope that the country would continue to accompany Vietnam in its next stage of development.
He proposed that Switzerland share experience and provide support for Vietnam in developing an international financial center and advancing its fintech ecosystem, particularly in areas such as digital finance, blockchain, digital assets, and sustainable finance.
Party General Secretary and State President Lam reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to intellectual property protection and its readiness to engage with Switzerland and other partners in line with international trade standards.
Parmelin congratulated General Secretary Lam on being elected state president by the 16th National Assembly and noted that Vietnam’s rapid and comprehensive development achievements have made a ‘strong impression on the world.’
Expressing support for the Vietnamese leader’s propositions, the Swiss leader affirmed Switzerland’s interest in further strengthening bilateral cooperation amid Vietnam’s ongoing reform process.
The two sides also spotlighted Vietnam’s proposal for Swiss support in developing its international financial center and advancing fintech capabilities.
They were committed to making further progress in trade and investment ties, ensuring that cooperation better reflects the potential and standing of both countries.
A key focus of the discussion was accelerating negotiations toward a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association, of which Switzerland is a member.
The two leaders said the deal would provide strong momentum for trade and investment cooperation.
Science and technology were also identified as a key pillar of future cooperation, with priority given to joint research in agriculture, biotechnology, green energy, and the digital economy.
Both sides agreed on the need to effectively implement the comprehensive partnership framework and strengthen political trust through regular exchanges at all levels.
They also said that defense and security cooperation should be further developed as part of the bilateral relationship.
The Vietnamese leader outlined the country’s development ambitions, including its goal of becoming a developed, high-income economy by 2045, supported by sustained high growth and a foreign policy based on independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization.
He also called on Switzerland to continue facilitating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country to live, integrate, and contribute to bilateral ties.
On multilateral cooperation, both sides agreed to strengthen coordination at international forums and within the United Nations framework to address shared global challenges on the basis of international law, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development.
On this occasion, Party General Secretary and State President Lam invited Parmelin to visit Vietnam, and the Swiss president accepted the invitation.
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