(VOVworld) - Swiss President Johann Schneider Ammann and Vietnamese Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh affirmed the importance of ratcheting up bilateral cooperation during their meeting in Bern on Tuesday.
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| Swiss President Johann Schneider Ammann and Vietnamese Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (L) (Source: VNA) |
Ammann said Switzerland considers Vietnam a priority partner in Asia-Pacific, Thinh expressed her hope for stronger ties. The two agreed on the need to maintain the exchange of delegations and step up coordination at multilateral forums and international organizations. The two sides will co-organize activities to mark the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Vice President Thinh pledged that Vietnam will create optimal conditions for Swiss businesses to set up stable and long-term operations in Vietnam.
President Ammann said Switzerland wants to quickly conclude a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association of which Switzerland is a member, along with Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Ammann voiced concern over the East Sea situation and supported Vietnam’s stance on settling disputes by peaceful measures.
Vice President Thinh met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Switzerland.
She also had a meeting with Anjuska Weil, President of the Vietnam-Switzerland Friendship Association, whose activities support Vietnamese victims of war and Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin.