Geneva (VNA) – The meetingbetween Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and President of the Geneva State Council Serge Dal Buscoon November 28 has created a link between leaders of the Swiss state and Vietnam, Vice President of the Council of the State of Geneva MauroPoggia has said.

In the future, delegates fromthe two countries will continue to have discussions to promote development inmany fields of mutual interest between Vietnam and Switzerland, he said in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency's reporter in Geneva.

Regarding COVID-19 prevention and control, Poggiaspoke highly of Vietnam’s ability to produce ventilators, which does not only meetthe treatment demand but also be used in the resuscitation emergency departments,providing long-term value and effectiveness.

He also said that Geneva has advantages in thefields of medicine, healthcare, pharmaceutical research and development, andproduction of drugs to treat diseases including COVID-19.

Given the complicated and unpredictable developments along with the appearanceof new contagious variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, cooperation in thefight against COVID-19 is essential, Poggia said.

He called for the speedy conclusion ofnegotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA),💃 which comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and Vietnam.

According to the official, the visit of VietnamesePresident Nguyen Xuan Phuc has opened up potential and opportunities to raisethe level of bilateral relations between Vietnam and Switzerland as well as Genevaafter half a century since they established diplomatic ties.

Vietnam is a dynamic partner with economicdevelopment prospects and a promising market for Switzerland, he said. Economic and trade relations betweenVietnam and Switzerland are witnessing strong and effective cooperationin many fields, Poggia said, adding that there is still much room fordevelopment.

Trade turnover between Switzerland andVietnam reached 3.3 billion CHF in 2020 (3.59 billion USD). The two sides need to make greater efforts toincrease meetings and exchange informatio🍌n, and organise cooperation activities tofully tap their potential an🦂d enrich bilateral relations, he said.

While there are big differences between thetwo cities in terms of size and population, Geneva and Hanoi can still shared a vision on urban planning, Poggia said, adding that Geneva has experience in housingmanagement and possesses works of architectural values. The city also has astrategy to protect the environment, improve the quality of life and health ofthe people.

Poggia also highly appreciate🥂d the activitiesof Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, World𒀰 Trade Organiations and international organisations in Geneva.

In mid-October, he gave a speech at theopening ceremony of the Vietnam - Switzerland Cultural Day at the headquartersof the Vietnamese delegation in Geneva. This event was part of activities tocelebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationsbetween Vietnam and Switzerland, enhancing people-to-people, cultural andeconomic exchanges between the two countries./.