(VOVWORLD) - During the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, on January 21, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with President of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Karin Keller-Sutter. Following the talks, the two leaders issued a Joint Statement on Elevating the Partnership between Vietnam and the Swiss Confederation.
 The talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in Davos on January 21 afternoon (local time). (Photo: VNA) |
Both sides agreed in principle to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership framework, reflecting shared priorities in current cooperation. They committed to intensifying efforts and taking concrete actions to finalize negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of enhancing dialogue and collaboration in key areas such as innovation, green finance, intellectual property, and the exchange of expertise in establishing and developing an international financial center in Vietnam.
Recognizing the value of educational and cultural ties, both sides agreed to explore the potential for expanding academic partnerships, training initiatives, and tourism cooperation. They identified innovation, science and technology, and knowledge sharing as priority areas for deepened collaboration in the future. The two leaders underscored the role of people-to-people exchanges and the Vietnamese and Swiss communities in fostering mutual understanding and serving as bridges between the two nations.
The leaders also acknowledged opportunities to strengthen scientific and technological partnerships, including collaboration between research institutions and joint programs to support scientific advancements. These could include initiatives funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED). Furthermore, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation to address environmental challenges and improve climate resilience in alignment with the Paris Agreement.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and a global order based on international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. They emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, resolving disputes through peaceful means, and adhering to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
Finally, the two leaders agreed on the need to continue contributing to regional and global prosperity and stability, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as environmental protection, climate change, and water security.