The visit of the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairsto Vietnam will serve as momentum to lift bilateral relations to anew height, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said on June 2.

During a reception for Head of the Federal Department of ForeignAffairs Didier Burkhalter in Hanoi , the Deputy Prime Minister voicedhis delight at recent developments in the friendship and cooperationbetween the two countries across politics-diplomacy, trade-investmentand education-training.

He expressed his hope that Switzerlandwould further collaborate with Vietnam to carry out official developmentassistance and foreign direct investment projects while calling for theEuropean country’s support to push forwards the negotiation of the freetrade deal between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association(EFTA).

He also spoke highly of Switzerland ’s decision to open its Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City .

Forhis part, the Swiss foreign affairs head affirmed that his countryalways treasures its multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam .Switzerland will assist the Southeast Asian country in deepening itsintegration into the international market including the signing of freetrade agreements, he added.

At the meeting, the two sidesdiscussed issues of mutual concern including the East Sea. Theyshared the same view that all parties should respect international lawand the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea as well asensure maritime and aviation freedom and safety in the region, which isan important trade route of the world.-VNA