Geneva (VNA) - In today’s turbulent world, the fact that a socialist country like Vietnam is pursuing a peaceful path while maintaining an independent and non-aligned foreign policy holds great significance, according to Massimiliano Ay, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland (CPS).
Speaking to a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Switzerland on the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, Ay highlighted Vietnam as a model of non-aligned diplomacy and balance, commending the country’s consistent efforts to promote dialogue among different systems while avoiding confrontation. He stressed that Vietnam has demonstrated its capability and always played an active, constructive role in diplomacy, international affairs and within UN bodies.
He affirmed that the Communist Party of Switzerland will continue its mission of raising awareness among the Swiss public of Vietnam’s positive and constructive role on the global stage.
He expressed his expectations for Switzerland-Vietnam relations, hoping that the two countries would soon finalise a free trade agreement.
Such a deal will be an important step forward for the Swiss economy, allowing it to diversify trading partners and reduce dependence on certain markets, while offering Vietnam the benefit of closer engagement with Switzerland, he noted.
According to the CPS leader, the potential for cooperation between the two communist parties is great in certain areas, suggesting that the two sides should maintain regular dialogue, exchange analyses, positions and viewpoints, and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Tourism, he added, is another sector with significant potential. He reaffirmed that his party stands ready to contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation and to supporting Vietnam in gaining a deeper understanding of Switzerland’s realities./.
See more
Vietnam, Hong Kong enhance trade, finance, investment cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc had a meeting with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee Ka-chiu on December 19 as part of his working visit to Hong Kong, China.
PM calls for drastic solutions to promote digital economy, society, citizens
He set a goal for Vietnam to have modern and seamless digital infrastructure, high-quality, shared and standardised data, a skilled digital workforce with universal digital literacy, strong Vietnamese digital technology enterprises, and a safe, humane and civilised digital environment.
Vietnam, US vow to boost political, security, defence ties at 14th dialogue
The annual mechanism aims to review and set orientations for political, security, and defence cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, build trust, and drive the stable and substantive development of Vietnam - US relations.
Digital economy as driver, digital society as foundation of growth: PM
The forum, themed “Developing an inclusive and comprehensive digital economy and digital society to achieve double-digit GDP growth in the 2026–2030 period,” brought together leaders of ministries and localities, technology enterprises, research institutions, experts and representatives of international organisations in Vietnam.
Deputy FM meets French official
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang stressed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its relationship with France, the first European Union country with which Vietnam has established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, noting that the two sides enjoy a solid foundation and significant potential for further cooperation.
Vietnam rejects US commission's unobjective, inaccurate religion assessments: Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said in Vietnam, no one is discriminated against on the basis of religion or belief, and the activities of religious organisations are ensured in accordance with the law, she affirmed.
Senior Party official reviews preparations for 14th National Party Congress
Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu expressed his belief that relevant agencies will continue to make efforts to basically complete organisation- and service-related preparations by December 31, ensuring readiness for the final rehearsals ahead of the opening of the 14th National Party Congress.
Vietnam reviews five-year implementation of global compact for migration
Vietnam has consistently upheld a people-centered approach, considering the protection of migrants’ security, safety, and lawful rights and interests as a top priority in policy formulation and implementation.
PM urges industry, trade sector to pioneer in six key areas
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that to make a substantive contribution to national development, the industry and trade sector must also achieve double-digit growth, generate new jobs, strengthen traditional growth drivers such as export and consumption, and accelerate emerging engines of growth, including the green, digital, circular, knowledge-based and sharing economies.
Two military officers promoted to rank of Senior Lieutenant General
Lieutenant General Do Xuan Tung, Vice Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), and Lieutenant General Do Van Banh, Political Commissar of the National Defence Academy were promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant General at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 19.
HCM City committed to promoting Vietnam–Indonesia relations
The strong political relationship provides a solid foundation for Vietnam and Indonesia to further expand cooperation in the economy, culture and tourism.
☕ Afternoon briefing on December 19
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Party leader requests development of professional, dedicated staff for information, education, mass mobilisation
The General Secretary urged the sector to focus on providing strategic advice to ensure that the Party maintains political direction, upholds the goal of national independence linked with socialism, and safeguards the Party’s ideological foundation and the country’s future—viewing this as a vital, ongoing, and long-term task.
Vietnam–Laos step up cooperation in procuracy sector
They highly valued the effective and substantive cooperation results achieved by the Supreme People’s Procuracies of Vietnam and Laos in recent years, and called on both sides to continue enhancing coordination, stepping up exchanges of delegations at all levels, sharing professional and technical experience, and maintaining and expanding training and capacity-building programmes for officials.
People’s sweat, blood, tears crystallised into landmark works shaping Vietnam’s future: PM
Following the three nationwide simultaneous ground-breaking and inauguration ceremonies in 2025, the country has 564 projects and works with an accumulative investment of 5.14 quadrillion VND, of which private capital accounts for the majority, with over 3.8 quadrillion VND (74.6%), while state capital stands at 1.3 quadrillion VND (25.4%).
National conference reviews 2025 information, education, mass mobilisation efforts
The hybrid event connected with municipal and provincial Party committees, along with communes, wards, and special zones nationwide, with Party General Secretary To Lam in attendance and delivering a keynote address.
Ground-breaking, inauguration of 234 key projects, works take place simultaneously at 9:00 on Dec 19
The Ministry of Construction has reported that among these, there are 148 projects starting construction and 86 projects being inaugurated and technically cleared, including 38 projects from ministries and agencies, 39 from corporations and state-owned enterprises, and 157 managed by local administrations.
☀️ Morning digest on December 19
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
Fourth Dien Hong Awards honours 64 outstanding journalistic works
Six journalists and groups of authors from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) won the awards, including a top prize.
NA Chairman urges journalists to reflect legislature's strategic vision
The NA leader expressed his confidence that in 2026, journalists will continue to uphold their responsibility, report objectively and from multiple perspectives, accompany the NA in conveying its activities promptly and comprehensively, and identify shortcomings in law-making and legal enforcement to help people-elected agencies operate more effectively and efficiently.