Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) –Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on June 11 held phonetalks with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on measures to enhance cooperationbetween the two nations, as well as their coordination at multilateralforums.
The two sides rejoiced at the fruitful development of thebilateral ties, especially the implementation of reached agreements duringall-level delegation exchanges, and agreed to step up delegation exchanges, particularlythose at the high level.
Joint efforts will be made to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (1971-2021), theconsented.
The ministers also reached consensus on orientations to boosteconomic and trade relations like accelerating the signing of the free tradeagreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association to supportthe two economies and deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ignazio Cassis lauded Vietnam’s efforts in performing its roles as ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Councilamidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
He said the international community would learn from Vietnam’sexperience in fighting the pandemic.
Minh spoke highly of Switzerland’s commitment to fundinginternational cooperation in preventing, controlling and mitigating the impactof COVID-19, saying Vietnam stands ready to join the European country’s efforts againstthe epidemic.
They agreed to enhance coordination in optimising cooperationpotential between ASEAN and Switzerland in 2020 when Vietnam serves as ASEANChair./.
VNA
