Hanoi (VNA) – President Tran Dai Quang toldPresident of the Swiss Council of States Ivo Bischofberger that Vietnam alwaysattaches great importance to reinforcing and promoting the sound relationshipwith Switzerland during their meeting in Hanoi on March 29.

He expressed delight at the strong growth of theVietnam-Switzerland ties, especially in politics, diplomacy, trade, investmentand development cooperation, as well as many meaningful activities marking the twocountries’ 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016, includingthe Vietnam Day in Switzerland.

The State leader proposed that both sides maintain theexchange of delegations at all levels to further foster bilateral cooperation,noting the visit of the President of the Swiss Council of States has helpedstrengthen cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries,contributing to bilateral ties.

Vietnam highly valued Switzerland and the European FreeTrade Area (EFTA)’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy in 2012, he said,expressing hope that Switzerland support the negotiation for a free tradeagreement between Vietnam and the EFTA towards a balanced and quality deal thattakes into account mutual benefit and the development gap between the twosides.

President Quang said he believes that the deal will open up newcooperation prospects for business communities of both countries.

The State leader calls for more Swiss investment in Vietnamin the fields of finance, banking, insurance, high technology, manufacturingtechnology, pharmaceuticals, farm produce processing, and tourism.

Switzerland is currently an important trade and investment partnerand the third largest European investors in Vietnam, noted the President,adding that Vietnam hopes to learn from Switzerland’s experience in developinga high quality education system with close association with scientific research.

He suggested that Switzerland provide more scholarships toVietnamese students to study law, banking, high technology and tourism, whilecreating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in stabilisingtheir lives in Switzerland.

He also asked for Switzerland’s backing of Vietnam’s candidacyfor a seat in the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure.

On the occasion, President Quang conveyed an invitation to visitVietnam to his Swiss counterpart.

For his part, Ivo Bischofberger expressed his belief in abright future of friendship and partnership between the two countries,especially in economy, trade, investment, education and training.

Swiss firms are interested in expanding business in Vietnam,while staying ready to offer support in training local workers, he stated, highlightingthat the vocational training model of Switzerland will help Vietnamese younglabour force become qualified for suitable jobs.

Switzerland also pays much attention to the signing of afree trade agreement between Vietnam and the EFTA, he said.

He affirms that the Swiss Government is keen on developmentassistance for Vietnam which has been reflected in various support programmesand projects for the country, adding that Swiss Council of States is alsoengaging in building and carrying out cooperation projects with Vietnam in2017-2020.

Bischofberger said Switzerland supports Vietnam’s runningfor a post at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, while askingfor Vietnam’s backing of Switzerland’s candidacy for the council in the2023-2024 period.-VNA