Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) welcomes Swiss Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis (Photo: VNA) Welcoming the guest to Vietnam, Son said the visit,which is taking place from August 4-6 in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary ofdiplomatic ties between the two countries, will contribute to promoting thebilateral relations.
He thanked the Swiss Government for continuing to prioritise the provision ofOfficial Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam in the future, focusing mainlyon environmental protection and economic reform.
The two sides agreed to increase the exchange of high-level delegations and meetings, and those between ministries, sectors and localities.
They committed to creating a favourable environment forenterprises of the two countries to expand investment and business in eachother's markets, and share efforts to soon conclude the negotiation of a FreeTrade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)in order to create strong impetus for bilateral trade and investmentexchanges.
On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, Son thanked theSwiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs for donating 500,000 quick COVID-19test kits, 300,000 antibacterial masks and 30 oxygen machines with atotal value of about 117 billion VND (5.1 million USD) to Vietnam.
Cassis expressed his belief that Vietnamwill soon recover from the pandemic and agreed that the two countries need tocontinue to share experiences in COVID-19 prevention and control as well as roadmap of openingup and recovering the economy, and strengthen bilateral cooperation inhealthcare, especially the technology transfer of COVID-19 vaccines and treatmentdrugs.
Also at the talks, the two officials agreed to continue cooperationand strengthen mutual support at multilateral forums and internationalorganisations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations.
The Swiss official affirmed his support for ASEAN's central role inregional structures. He also congratulated Vietnam on successfully assuming its role as Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and thanked the nation for acting as a bridge to bolster theSwitzerland - ASEAN partnership.
The two ministers emphasised the importance of complyingwith international law, ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight,security and peace in the East Sea, in which the 1982 United Nations Conventionon the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the legal framework governing all activitiesat seas and oceans.
Son thanked and proposed the Swiss Government continue tocreate favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Switzerland tointegrate well, contribute positively to Switzerland's development and strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries./.
VNA
