President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right, centre) and his Swiss counterpart Guy Parmelin (left, centre) at the talks in Bern city on November 26.

President Phuc, who is paying an official visit to the European country, affirmed that the State and people of Vietnam always keep in mind and treasure the precious support and assistance that Switzerland has given to their struggle for national independence in the past as well as national development at present.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction that over the last half century, the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries have been growing well in multiple fields.

They discussed areas of cooperation and reached consensus on many measures to advance Vietnam - Switzerland relations. They agreed to increase exchanges and meetings to further intensify mutual understanding and trust and promote bilateral cooperation in all aspects.

President Parmelin highly valued Vietnam’s breakthrough achievements in socio-economic development and COVID-19 containment, stressing that Vietnam is an important economic partner of Switzerland in Southeast Asia.

Asking the Government of Switzerland to encourage Swiss enterprises to invest in Vietnam, President Phuc noted that the Southeast Asian nation is working hard to improve the business - investment climate and create favourable conditions for foreign firms to operate in the long term.

The leaders agreed to make efforts to soon conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). They also expressed their delight at the progress in scientific - technological cooperation and agreed to further strengthen links in science - technology and education - training.

President Phuc thanked the Swiss Government for providing ODA for Vietnam. Meanwhile, the Swiss President assessed Vietnam as an effective ODA using partner, adding that the Swiss Government has decided to continue to provide Vietnam with 70 million CHF (over 75.6 million USD) worth of ODA in the 2021-2024 period.

The Vietnamese leader thanked the Swiss Government for its donation of medical equipment valued at about 5 million USD for Vietnam's COVID-19 prevention and control on the occasion of Swiss Vice President Ignazio Casis’s visit to Vietnam in August. He proposed the two sides promote cooperation between their enterprises and research facilities in the development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs.

President Phuc thanks and proposed the Swiss Government continue creating favourable conditions for the overseas Vietnamese community to well integrate into the host society.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations such as the United Nations and the Asia - Europe cooperation mechanism.

Vietnam agreed to help Switzerland strengthen its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Regarding the East Sea issue, Switzerland stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation, compliance with international law, and settlement of disputes via peaceful measures based on transparent dialogue and trust building./.

Source: VNA