Swiss President Guy Parmelin, accompanied by his spouse Caroline Parmelin, is set to visit Vietnam on October 17 and 18, responding to an invitation from Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly. This visit coincides with the approaching 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Vietnam, which will be marked in 2026.
The relationship between the two countries was elevated to a comprehensive partnership in January 2025, enhancing opportunities for collaboration across various sectors. During his visit, President Parmelin is scheduled to hold talks with President To Lam, and also meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. These discussions are anticipated to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for expanded cooperation.
Economic ties form a significant aspect of the partnership, with bilateral trade surpassing US$1 billion last year. Switzerland is also recognized as one of the key European investors in Vietnam, underscoring the economic bond between the two nations.
Beyond economic cooperation, Switzerland and Vietnam engage in various other areas, including education, vocational training, labor, science, technology, and innovation. President Parmelin’s visit is expected to further solidify their diplomatic engagement and promote additional trade and investment opportunities.