Swiss President Guy Parmelin, accompanied by his spouse Caroline Parmelin, is set to embark on an official visit to Vietnam from October 17 to 18. This visit is occurring at the invitation of Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and his wife, Ngo Phuong Ly. The occasion is particularly significant as the two nations prepare to celebrate the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2026.
In recent years, Vietnam and Switzerland have strengthened their ties, culminating in the elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in January 2025. This development has opened new avenues for collaboration across various sectors, including economic, educational, and technological fields.
During his visit, President Parmelin is scheduled to engage in talks with President To Lam and meet with other key Vietnamese leaders, including Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. These discussions are anticipated to focus on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for further cooperation.
Economic relations between Vietnam and Switzerland hold a pivotal role in their partnership. Last year, bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed the US$1 billion mark, with Switzerland ranking among the leading European investors in Vietnam. This economic engagement is expected to be a focal point of the discussions during Parmelin’s visit.
Beyond trade, the two nations collaborate in areas such as education, vocational training, science, technology, and innovation. The visit is seen as a means to bolster diplomatic engagement and foster additional trade and investment opportunities, further solidifying the partnership between Vietnam and Switzerland.