National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue holds talks with Swiss National Council President Martin Candinas. Photo: quochoi.vn

During talks with President of the Swiss National Council Martin Candinas in Hanoi on Wednesday, National Assembly Chairman Hue affirmed that Vietnam values the traditional friendship and cooperation with Switzerland. He thanked Switzerland for giving Vietnam more than 600 million USD in non-refundable aid (ODA) in the period 1991-2021 and support Vietnam with resources in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The top legislator suggested the two sides strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels, Party and State cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. He said Vietnam is changing its policy to attract foreign investment and prioritizing industries with environment-friendly high technology, which is much suitable for Swiss businesses.

Chairman Hue called on the two parliamentary bodies to boost sharing of experiences, consultation and mutual support at multilateral parliamentary forums.

The Swiss National Council President said that Switzerland welcomes Vietnam's commitment to cut net emissions to zero by 2050 and is ready to work Vietnam in environmental protection and climate change combat.

Switzerland considers Vietnam a strategic development partner in the region and hopes to complete the signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Area next year.