Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (L) and Vice President and head of the Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research of Switzerland Guy Parmelin. (Photo: VGP)

Both sides agreed to jointly hold celebrations for the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year and step up negotiations on the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) of which Switzerland is a member. The two leaders also agreed on the importance of settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

During a meeting with the Governor of the canton of Bern, Christoph Ammann, Mr. Binh affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its friendship and cooperation with Switzerland and hopes the canton will continue contributing to bilateral ties. The two vowed to enhance the sharing of information to fully tap their cooperation potential, especially in tourism, technology, environment, education, training, and research.