The key facts

  • Swiss President Guy Parmelin arrived in Hanoi on October 17 for a two-day visit
  • Talks were held with Vietnamese President To Lam and cooperation documents were exchanged
  • The parties are preparing to sign the Vietnam–EFTA free trade agreement

Visit to Hanoi

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, accompanied by his wife, arrived on Saturday in Vietnam's capital Hanoi for a two-day official visit, the Vietnamese government reported. At Noi Bai International Airport, the delegation was welcomed by Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang.

Welcoming ceremony and talks

Later, Vietnamese President To Lam, accompanied by his wife, held an official welcoming ceremony at the National Assembly building. The leaders and their high-level delegations held talks and witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between ministries and agencies of the two countries. The details of the signed documents were not immediately disclosed.

Context of bilateral relations

Switzerland and Vietnam established a comprehensive partnership in January 2025, and in the same year bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion. The countries are also preparing to sign a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. According to available information, the agreement is expected to improve market access, facilitate investment and create new business opportunities for both sides.