Swiss President Guy Parmelin is set to visit Vietnam on October 17–18, accompanied by his spouse, Caroline Parmelin. This visit, initiated at the invitation of Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, marks an important step in the bilateral relations between Switzerland and Vietnam as they approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
During his visit, President Parmelin will engage in talks with Vietnamese President To Lam and meet with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man. These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for expanded cooperation across various sectors.
The relationship between Switzerland and Vietnam was elevated to a comprehensive partnership in January 2025, paving the way for enhanced collaboration. Economic ties are a significant aspect of this partnership, with bilateral trade surpassing US$1 billion last year. Switzerland is also a major European investor in Vietnam, underscoring the economic significance of the relationship.
In addition to economic collaboration, the two countries cooperate in education, vocational training, labor, science, technology, and innovation. The visit by President Parmelin is anticipated to bolster diplomatic engagement and foster further trade and investment opportunities between Switzerland and Vietnam.