Vietnam is a priority and top economic partner of Switzerland.

The two sides expressed their delight at the strong developments in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of economy, trade, development assistance, culture and education; affirmed that the leaders of the two countries regularly maintain contacts and exchange delegations, which have contributed to strengthening political trust between the two countries.

The Swiss President highly appreciated Vietnam's remarkable socio -economic development achievements in recent years; affirmed that Vietnam is Switzerland's top priority and important economic partner in Southeast Asia. The Swiss President pledged to continue providing development assistance to Vietnam, with more than 40 projects being implemented in various fields, including sharing experiences in sustainable development, education, business, and innovation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that the achievements of cooperation between the two countries over the past 50 years are proof of the effective cooperation between the two countries; and are the basis for the two sides to continue to elevate the relationship in the coming time.

The Prime Minister suggested that the two sides coordinate closely to prepare well for high-level visits between the two countries, thereby reviewing and evaluating cooperation results and proposing measures to further promote cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swiss President Viola Amherd in Davos, Switzerland on January 17 - Photo: baochinhphu.vn

The Prime Minister thanked the Swiss Government for providing ODA, contributing to supporting Vietnam in achieving many socio-economic development achievements; wished to have more Swiss enterprises invest in Vietnam; strengthen cooperation in science and technology, innovation; and enhance cooperation in national security and defense.

The two leaders also agreed to have a flexible approach in negotiating the Vietnam-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement and the bilateral Investment Protection Agreement to facilitate and ensure the interests of businesses and investors of the two countries.

On multilateral issues, they affirmed that they will continue to closely coordinate in regional and international forums in the coming time. On the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in compliance with international law, resolving disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of compliance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), minimizing the impacts of geopolitical factors on the supply chain and the circulation of goods in the region and globally.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked and requested the Swiss Government to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Switzerland to integrate well, make positive contributions to the development of Switzerland, as well as contribute to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Source