Switzerland reaffirms support for Vietnam’s development goals
Switzerland attaches great importance to its relationship with Vietnam, considering it a key partner in Southeast Asia, especially in economic cooperation, said Heinrich Schellenberg, head of the Asia-Pacific Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
Vietnam and Switzerland hold director general-level political consultation between the two foreign ministries on February 20. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Switzerland has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Vietnam’s ambition of becoming a high-income nation by 2045 and achieving its sustainable development goals.
Heinrich Schellenberg, head of the Asia-Pacific Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, made the statement during co-chairing the director general-level political consultation between the foreign ministries of Vietnam and Switzerland on February 20 with Bui Ha Nam, Director-General of the Europe Department at Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The consultation focused on strengthening the Vietnam-Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership and exploring new avenues for deeper collaboration.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the dynamic growth of bilateral ties, reflected in frequent high-level engagements and expanding economic cooperation. Notably, two-way trade surged to over 811 million USD in 2024, with Switzerland ranking as the sixth-largest European investor in Vietnam, boasting total investments to 2.1 billion USD .
Looking ahead, the two nations pledged to expedite negotiations on the Vietnam-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement, expected to unlock new trade and investment opportunities.
Bui Ha Nam, Director-General of the Europe Department at Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (R) receives Heinrich Schellenberg, head of the Asia-Pacific Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (Photo: VNA)
Schellenberg emphasised that Switzerland attaches great importance to its relationship with Vietnam, considering it a key partner in Southeast Asia, especially in economic cooperation.
He announced Switzerland’s approval of the Vietnam-Switzerland Development Cooperation Programme for the 2025–2028 period, focusing on three main areas of sustainable trade and innovation, sustainable private and public finances, and urban and industrial development adaptive to climate change.
For his part, Nam underscored Vietnam’s readiness to deepen collaboration with Switzerland across strategic sectors, including finance and banking, science and technology, innovation, semiconductor development, climate change adaptation, and high-quality human resources training.
Both sides also agreed to boost people-to-people exchanges and expand cooperation in culture, arts, and tourism, paving the way for celebrations marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Switzerland in 2026.
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang has underscored the fruitful outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic and bilateral activities in Switzerland from January 15-22.
Vietnam and Switzerland are expected to explore the potential for expanding joint academic initiatives, training programmes, and tourism cooperation. The two countries have agreed to prioritise collaboration in areas such as innovation, science and technology, and knowledge sharing in the near future.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation attended the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, and conducted bilateral activities in Switzerland on January 21-22. Over more than half a century, Vietnam-Switzerland relations have flourished across various fields.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
