Swiss President Guy Parmelin is set to visit Vietnam on October 17–18, following an invitation from Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. This visit highlights the strengthening ties between the two nations as they approach the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026. In January 2025, the relationship was elevated to a comprehensive partnership, opening new avenues for collaboration across various sectors.
During his visit, President Parmelin will engage in talks with Vietnamese leaders, including President To Lam, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. The discussions are expected to delve into enhancing bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for expanded cooperation.
Economic relations between Switzerland and Vietnam play a significant role in this partnership. Last year, bilateral trade surpassed US$1 billion, with Switzerland standing out as one of the major European investors in Vietnam. This visit is anticipated to further bolster trade and investment connections.
Beyond economic ties, the two countries have been collaborating in fields such as education, vocational training, labor, science, technology, and innovation. President Parmelin’s visit is likely to reinforce diplomatic engagement and promote deeper cooperation in these areas.