General Secretary, President To Lam and his spouse this afternoon welcomed Swiss President Guy Parmelin and his spouse at the National Assembly House. The General Secretary, President then invited the Swiss President to walk along the red carpet to the ceremonial platform.

During the reception, both leaders attended the flag-raising ceremony and inspected the Vietnam People's Army Guard of Honor. Following this, delegations from both countries began bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents between ministries and sectors of the two nations.

General Secretary, President To Lam and Swiss President Guy Parmelin at the reception at the National Assembly House on the afternoon of 17/10. *Giang Huy*

The Swiss President and his spouse are on an official visit to Vietnam from 17-18/10. Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass stated that the visit provides an opportunity for both countries to promote cooperation in key areas, including trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, finance, and sustainable development.

Switzerland ranks among the top 10 global economies, with a projected per capita GDP of 116,410 USD in 2025. It is a major international financial, banking, and insurance hub, known for its strengths in high-tech application, precision engineering, processing technology, and innovation. Switzerland also serves as an influential global center for asset management and risk governance.

The Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam and Switzerland was upgraded in 1/2025. In 2026, the two countries will celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations. Switzerland considers Vietnam a priority partner in Southeast Asia.

General Secretary, President To Lam and Swiss President Guy Parmelin inspect the guard of honor. *Giang Huy*

Two-way trade turnover exceeded 1 billion USD in 2025. Switzerland is the 6th largest European investor in Vietnam and ranks 20th among 153 countries and territories with foreign direct investment in Vietnam, boasting 244 active projects with a total registered capital of nearly 2,5 billion USD.

Switzerland is one of the few Western European countries that continues to provide development cooperation aid to Vietnam. Since 1992, Swiss Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam has totaled over 800 million USD.

Both countries continue to strengthen cooperation in intellectual property, high-tech application, and innovation. The Vietnamese community in Switzerland currently numbers approximately 10,000 people.

General Secretary, President To Lam shakes hands with Swiss President Guy Parmelin before the talks. *Giang Huy*

Mr. Guy Parmelin previously visited Vietnam in 7/2019 as Switzerland's Minister of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research. The President actively promotes the expeditious conclusion of negotiations and signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Vu Hoang