Swiss President Guy Parmelin will visit Vietnam from October 17–18, accompanied by his spouse, Caroline Parmelin. This visit, at the invitation of Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, coincides with the upcoming 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Vietnam in 2026.
The two nations elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in January 2025, paving the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. During his visit, President Parmelin is scheduled to engage in talks with President To Lam, as well as meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. The discussions are expected to center on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding avenues for cooperation.
Economic collaboration is a significant aspect of the partnership, with bilateral trade surpassing US$1 billion last year. Switzerland remains a major European investor in Vietnam, highlighting the economic interdependence between the two countries. In addition to trade, the two nations collaborate in areas such as education, vocational training, labor, science, technology, and innovation.
The visit is anticipated to bolster diplomatic engagement and open up further opportunities for trade and investment. As both countries continue to build on their comprehensive partnership, the emphasis will likely remain on broadening cooperation in existing fields while exploring new areas of mutual interest.