Hanoi (VNA) – On the occasion of the National Day ofSwitzerland (August 1), the upcoming visit to Vietnam by the European country’sVice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, andthe 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations, Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Ivo Sieber wrote an articledescribing 2021 as a “very special” year for the Swiss-Vietnamese partnership.Following is the full text:

Commemorating a national day is an exceptional event for any country. OnAugust 1, Swiss nationals in Switzerland and all over the world proudly rememberthe founding of their country in 1291. Observing this year’s Swiss national dayhere in Vietnam is singularly special. Not only is Switzerland reminiscing the730th centenary of its foundation. This year, Vietnam andSwitzerland are also looking back on half a century of bilateral diplomaticrelations. Moreover, 2021 also marks three decades of Swiss-Vietnamesedevelopment cooperation.

The coincidence of two significant jubileesin our countries’ relations extends well beyond symbolism. Switzerland was one of the very first Western countries to establishbilateral ties with Vietnam on 11 October 1971. But Swiss-Vietnamese relationsalready started in the 19th century, thanks to adventurous Swisstrading companies coming to Vietnam. Later, Swiss born bacteriologist AlexandreYersin followed: he spent most of his life in Vietnam, where he became an“honorary citizen”. In 1954, Switzerland as neutral country hosted the GenevaConference on Indochina, in which Vietnam was directly involved. Those initialcontacts and ties created a solid foundation for the establishment of thebilateral relations.

Today, we look at a wide range of cooperation between the two countries,including between companies and individuals from academia, culture and civilsociety at large. Economic relations have taken a central stage, as Vietnam hasbeen very successful in spurring its economic development and is an attractivepartner for Swiss business. Global challenges like climate change and the COVID-19pandemic not only offer but ask for new cooperation modalities - cooperationthat is geared towards a more inclusive growth and a better environment. Theglobal need to change the way we lead our life and do business is opening up awide field for interesting discussions.

One area I would like to personally promote are discussions on promisingnew technologies that not only address environmental challenges but also helpensure that the economy continues to provide jobs and incomes. In short, thiscomes down to searching for a new kind of prosperity, one that gives moreweight to humans and the earth. Famed Swiss Bertrand Piccard has put together 1,000innovative tech solutions that he is ready to present here in Vietnam. Anotherarea close to my heart is the field of peace promotion and mediation: I seealso here good opportunities for Vietnam and Switzerland to work together,learn from each other and jointly progress and offer their share to globalpeace.

Clearly, this coincidence of two significant jubilees goes well beyondsymbols. The 50-year anniversary is not only an opportunity to recall what hasbeen jointly achieved so far but mainly also a welcome occasion to look intothe future and seek the best possible ways to further boost the rich andmanifold relations between the two countries. The official visit to Vietnam bySwiss Vice-President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on 4-6 August shallnot only underscore the long and robust relations, but also highlight theongoing Swiss friendship and solidarity with Vietnam, especially in theseparticularly challenging times.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created countless challenges for both Vietnamand Switzerland. Both have and continue to take great strides to meet thechallenges and protect public health while doing their best to keep the economyrunning. Difficulties still lie ahead and cooperation in all its forms is thekey to overcoming the global challenges. The partnership between Switzerlandand Vietnam is working well and will continue doing so also in thepost-pandemic recovery.

We are commemorating the Swiss National Day and the 50th anniversary of Swiss-Vietnamese diplomatic relations with impressiveachievements. What we have accomplished together is the solid basis for astronger and tighter partnership on the path ahead. As Swiss Ambassador toVietnam, I extend to the Swiss nationals and our numerous friends in Vietnam myvery best wishes on the occasion of the Swiss National Day./.