Vietnam values cooperative relationship with Switzerland: NA Chairman
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man expressed satisfaction with the progress in Vietnam-Switzerland ties, driven by regular high-level mutual visits, which have gained momentum ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) meets with President of the Swiss Council of States Andrea Caroni in Geneva on July 29. (Photo: VNA)
Geneva (VNA) ❀– Vietnam always treasures its friendly and cooperative relationship with Switzerland, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man told President of the Swiss Council of States Andrea Caroni during a meeting in Geneva on July 29 morning (local time).
Chairman Man noted that the meeting, part of his visit for the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and bilateral activities in Switzerland, marks the first high-level exchange since the establishment of the Vietnam – Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership in January 2025 during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to the European nation.
𝓰 He expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral ties, driven by regular high-level mutual visits, which have gained momentum ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026. He also briefed the host on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic achievements.
The top Vietnamese legislator expressed thanks to Switzerland for its long-standing support, particularly through nearly 800 million USD in official development assistance, including a recent 50 million USD commitment for the 2025-2028 Vietnam – Switzerland development cooperation programme.
He also commended the Swiss parliament’s role in hosting this year’s World Conference of Speakers of Parliament.
Calling for stronger inter-parliamentary ties, the Chairman proposed increased delegation exchanges between specialised committees, parliamentary friendship groups, women parliamentarians, and young lawmakers to share experiences in law-making, supervision, and decision-making on nationally important issues. He also sought Switzerland’s support in refining Vietnam’s legal system and elevating the NA’s role in national development.
He voiced Vietnam’s interest in collaborating with Switzerland in fintech and digital banking, and thanked the Swiss authorities for their continued support for the Vietnamese community of over 10,000 people living in the country.
For his part, Caroni reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to advancing the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam and applauded Vietnam’s socio-economic progress. He affirmed Switzerland's wish to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, especially through the parliamentary channel.
The host leader highlighted the vibrant contributions of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland as a testament to the strong bonds between the two nations. He also stressed the importance of sharing experiences in legal reform and institutional development to catch up with current global trends.
With negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association set to resume in September 2025, Chairman Man expressed his hope for progress toward a bilateral trade deal between Vietnam and Switzerland.
The meeting between NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and President of the Swiss Council of States Andrea Caroni in Geneva on July 29. (Photo: VNA)
Discussing global and regional issues of shared concern, both sides affirmed support for the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflicts in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, for the sake of peace, stability, and sustainable development both regionally and globally. They also pledged to enhance consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), and other regional mechanisms.
On the occasion, Chairman Man extended an invitation to Caroni for an official visit to Vietnam at a mutually convenient time./.
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and a high-level Vietnamese delegation are in Geneva, Switzerland to attend the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and carry out bilateral activities from July 27 to 30, 2025. This marks Chairman Man’s first official visit to Switzerland, aiming to reinforce political trust and deepen the Vietnam–Switzerland Comprehensive Partnership while promoting cooperation across various sectors.
Vietnam deeply values the contributions of the Switzerland–Vietnam Friendship Association, not only in terms of spiritual support but also through its efforts in mobilising donations for charitable and humanitarian activities, and supporting the poor.
President of the Swiss National Council Maja Riniker stressed that maintaining regular meetings between the two parliaments is crucial to strengthening bilateral ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, along with a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived in Seongnam Air Base in Seoul on August 10 afternoon (local time), beginning a state visit to the Republic of Korea from August 10-13.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly departed from Hanoi on August 10 morning for a four-day state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK), which is made at an invitation of RoK President Lee Jae Myung.
As part of the ASEAN Day celebrations, the Vietnamese embassy will also host the ASEAN Family Day 2025 in Ottawa to foster solidarity and community spirit among ASEAN members in Canada.
State President Luong Cuong’s trip once again reaffirmed the Party and State’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations. It also reflected the strong trend of enhanced cooperation among countries of the Global South in shaping a new, more multipolar, fair and equitable world order.
The outcomes of Party General Secretary To Lam's visit will serve as a driving force and source of inspiration for the two countries to inherit, promote, and elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, contributing to the national construction and development cause in each country, and to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 9 inspected the construction site of the new Phong Chau bridge, and surveyed a planned route for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway section running through the northern province of Phu Tho.
Across print, broadcast, and online platforms, Angolan media portrayed State President Luong Cuong's visit as a warm and historic occasion, strengthening bilateral ties and boosting Vietnam’s presence in Africa through the AU.
The 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen power transmission line has a total investment of over 7.41 trillion VND (282.5 million USD), and a total length of 229.5 km, passing through 31 communes in the two provinces, and comprising 468 transmission tower foundations.
The visits reflected the elevated position of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era—aimed at not only advancing ties with key regional partners like Egypt and Angola but also delivering a strategic message about Vietnam’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations as a whole.
At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.