Swiss President Guy Parmelin, accompanied by his spouse Caroline Parmelin, is set to visit Vietnam on October 17–18. This official visit, made at the invitation of Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, coincides with preparations to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Vietnam in 2026.
The visit is anticipated to deepen the comprehensive partnership established between the two countries in January 2025, which opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. During his stay, President Parmelin will engage in talks with President To Lam, and meet with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperative efforts.
Economic collaboration stands as a significant component of the Swiss-Vietnamese relationship, with bilateral trade surpassing US$1 billion last year. Switzerland ranks among the leading European investors in Vietnam, underlining the importance of economic ties. The discussions during the visit are expected to explore further opportunities for trade and investment.
Additionally, the two nations have been collaborating in areas such as education, vocational training, labor, science, technology, and innovation. This visit aims to reinforce diplomatic engagement and promote further avenues for cooperation across these fields.