Geneva (VNA) – Vietnam always treasures its friendly and cooperative relationship with Switzerland, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man told President of the Swiss Council of States Andrea Caroni during a meeting in Geneva on July 29 morning (local time).
Chairman Man noted that the meeting, part of his visit for the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and bilateral activities in Switzerland, marks the first high-level exchange since the establishment of the Vietnam – Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership in January 2025 during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the European nation.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral ties, driven by regular high-level mutual visits, which have gained momentum ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. He also briefed the host on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic achievements.
The top Vietnamese legislator expressed thanks to Switzerland for its long-standing support, particularly through nearly 800 million USD in official development assistance, including a recent 50 million USD commitment for the 2025-2028 Vietnam – Switzerland development cooperation programme.
He also commended the Swiss parliament’s role in hosting this year’s World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.
Calling for stronger inter-parliamentary ties, the Chairman proposed increased delegation exchanges between specialised committees, parliamentary friendship groups, women parliamentarians, and young lawmakers to share experiences in law-making, supervision, and decision-making on nationally important issues. He also sought Switzerland’s support in refining Vietnam’s legal system and elevating the NA’s role in national development.
He voiced Vietnam’s interest in collaborating with Switzerland in fintech and digital banking, and thanked the Swiss authorities for their continued support for the Vietnamese community of over 10,000 people living in the country.
For his part, Caroni reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to advancing the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam and applauded Vietnam’s socio-economic progress. He affirmed Switzerland's wish to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, especially through the parliamentary channel.
The host leader highlighted the vibrant contributions of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland as a testament to the strong bonds between the two nations. He also stressed the importance of sharing experiences in legal reform and institutional development to catch up with current global trends.
With negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association set to resume in September 2025, Chairman Man expressed his hope for progress toward a bilateral trade deal between Vietnam and Switzerland.
Discussing global and regional issues of shared concern, both sides affirmed support for the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflicts in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, for the sake of peace, stability, and sustainable development both regionally and globally. They also pledged to enhance consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), and other regional mechanisms.
On the occasion, Chairman Man extended an invitation to Caroni for an official visit to Vietnam at a mutually convenient time./.
