Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter at their meeting in Davos on January 21 (Photo: VOV)

During the talks, the two leaders acknowledged the positive developments in Vietnam-Switzerland relations across various areas, including politics, trade, investment, development cooperation, science, technology, and education.

Highlighting their longstanding friendship and shared vision, they agreed that this is the opportune moment to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership. This enhanced partnership would focus on major shared principles and priorities, aiming to deepen and expand cooperation bilaterally and on regional and global scales.

Both leaders expressed optimism about the potential for economic cooperation and committed to boosting bilateral trade in the future. They prioritized the swift conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the renegotiation of the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. These steps aim to facilitate economic exchanges and encourage long-term investments in both countries.

President Keller-Sutter welcomed Prime Minister Chinh’s proposals and expressed interest in expanding cooperation into new areas aligned with mutual strengths, such as innovation, digital transformation, high technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, climate change response, and carbon credit trading. Additionally, she pledged support for the development of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center.

The leaders also emphasized the significance of security and defense cooperation, agreeing to promote joint efforts in defense industries, training, capacity building, and peacekeeping missions. They discussed researching and finalizing defense and security agreements to solidify cooperation in these fields.

At the conclusion of their talks, the two leaders issued a Joint Statement to elevate the partnership between Vietnam and Switzerland.