Swiss President Guy Parmelin, accompanied by his spouse Caroline Parmelin, is set to visit Vietnam on October 17 and 18, following an invitation from Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly. This visit signifies a milestone as both countries approach the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which will be celebrated in 2026. The relationship between Switzerland and Vietnam was elevated to a comprehensive partnership in January 2025, paving the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
During his visit, President Parmelin is scheduled to engage in talks with President To Lam and will meet with other high-ranking officials, including Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. The discussions are anticipated to center on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for expanding cooperation between the two nations.
Economic collaboration is a key aspect of the partnership between Switzerland and Vietnam. Last year, bilateral trade surpassed US$1 billion, highlighting the robust economic ties. Notably, Switzerland is one of the major European investors in Vietnam, reflecting a strong economic partnership that both countries are eager to cultivate further.
Beyond economics, Switzerland and Vietnam have established cooperation in several fields, including education, vocational training, labor, science, technology, and innovation. President Parmelin’s visit is expected to not only reinforce diplomatic engagement but also promote additional opportunities for trade and investment between the two nations.