General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam (R) and Swiss President Guy Parmelin shak hands ahead ò their talks in Hanoi on October 17, 2026 .

Viet Nam, Switzerland outline priorities to deepen comprehensive partnership

Viet Nam and Switzerland will strengthen their Comprehensive Partnership, by identifying six priority areas for cooperation ranging from trade and investment to science and technology, environmental protection and security.

The priorities took centre stage at talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam and Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Hanoi on October 17, following an official welcoming ceremony for the Swiss leader and his spouse.

Welcoming Parmelin’s official visit, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s early establishment of diplomatic relations with Viet Nam and its longstanding goodwill towards the Vietnamese people. He highlighted the visit as an opportunity to build on the Comprehensive Partnership established in January 2025 and give fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation.

President Parmelin, for his part, recalled his 2019 visit to Viet Nam and expressed pleasure at witnessing the country’s dynamic development. He congratulated Viet Nam on its recent achievements and welcomed the progress made in bilateral relations.

Six priorities to expand bilateral cooperation

The two leaders agreed to strengthen political trust through high-level exchanges, closer contacts and mutual support at multilateral forums. They also identified trade and investment as key areas for further growth, with both sides looking to make fuller use of opportunities offered by the Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement and encourage more Swiss businesses to invest in Viet Nam, particularly in port development, cited VOV.

President Parmelin highlighted the positive momentum in economic ties, noting that bilateral trade has grown by an average of 7% over the past four years, while investment has increased by 8% annually. More than 100 Swiss companies are operating in Viet Nam, he noted, pointing to the potential complementarity between Switzerland’s technology and expertise and Vietnam’s rapid growth and young population.

Financial innovation also featured prominently in the discussions. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation among relevant agencies and financial institutions in digital finance, blockchain technology, digital assets and financial technology (fintech).

Science, technology and innovation were identified as another important pillar. Both countries will make greater use of existing cooperation mechanisms between their national science and technology development funds and strengthen academic links among universities and research institutes.

The other priority areas cover environmental protection, culture and tourism; security and defence, particularly peacekeeping and crime prevention; and people-to-people exchanges.

The leaders also exchanged views on international developments, including challenges arising from growing rivalry among major powers. They underscored the importance of dialogue and a balanced approach to international relations. President Parmelin praised Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and its contribution to the country’s standing in the region and beyond.

Turning shared priorities into concrete outcomes

During the visit, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents between ministries and agencies in labour, science and technology, trade, and urban development. They hoped that these arrangements would translate into tangible results for businesses and people in both countries.

President Parmelin also invited Viet Nam to attend the Global AI Summit in Switzerland in 2027, opening up another opportunity to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen political trust, friendship and mutual understanding, creating fresh momentum for a deeper, more substantive, effective and sustainable Comprehensive Partnership between Viet Nam and Switzerland.

Swiss President Guy Parmelin’s official visit to Viet Nam on October 17–18 comes as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and build on their Comprehensive Partnership established in 2025. The visit is expected to give fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development.

A key milestone is scheduled for October 18 in Hanoi, when Viet Nam and the four EFTA member states – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – are set to sign a free trade agreement following more than 14 years of negotiations. The deal is set to broaden market access, create new opportunities for businesses and strengthen economic ties between Viet Nam and the four European countries.

Liechtenstein Prime Minister arrives in Hanoi, starting official visit to Viet Nam

Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas arrived in Hanoi on October 17 evening, beginning a three-day official visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of her Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung.

Welcoming the Liechtenstein delegation at Noi Bai International Airport were Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Chau Mai Anh.

Accompanying PM Haas on the visit are Eve Beck, Secretary General of the Ministry of General Government Affairs and Finance, and Panagiotis Potolidis-Beck, head of the division for economic affairs and development of the Office for Foreign Affairs.

Liechtenstein and Viet Nam established diplomatic relations on July 2, 2008. Bilateral trade reached approximately 9.8 million USD in 2025, with Vietnam’s exports to Liechtenstein valued at around 90,000 USD and imports at 9.71 million USD, according to VNA.

Liechtenstein Prime Minister Brigitte Haas (L) is welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan. (Photo: VNA)

Liechtenstein currently has one valid foreign direct investment project in Viet Nam, with registered capital of 4 million USD, ranking 84th among 147 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian nation.

Ambassador Anh described PM Haas’s first official visit to Viet Nam as an important milestone, as it reflects Liechtenstein’s regard for Viet Nam and provides fresh impetus for deeper, more substantive and effective bilateral cooperation.

The visit comes at a favorable time, following the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in July 2026. The agreement is expected to provide an important framework for further expanding Vietnam’s economic ties with Liechtenstein and other EFTA members, facilitating trade, investment and business connections.

According to the diplomat, the visit can also open up new avenues for collaboration, particularly by connecting Liechtenstein businesses with Vietnamese partners in high-tech industries, precision engineering, automation, digital transformation and innovation.

Viet Nam, Hungary promote cooperation in agriculture, science, technology

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai recently held a working session with Prof. Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, Rector of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research (MATE), to promote bilateral collaboration in education, training, scientific research and technology transfer.

Thai spoke highly of MATE’s achievements as one of Hungary’s and Central Europe’s leading institutions in agricultural and life sciences education and research. He welcomed its cooperation with Vietnamese universities in recent years, particularly in scientific research, food technology and joint training programs.

Noting that Viet Nam is accelerating its shift towards a growth model driven by science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, the Ambassador called on MATE to strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese partners in areas of shared strengths and complementary needs, including biotechnology, climate-resilient crop breeding, agricultural product processing and preservation, sustainable aquaculture, smart agriculture and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, reported VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai (L) shakes hands with Prof. Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, Rector of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences Research (MATE). (Photo published by VNA)

Gyuricza briefed the diplomat on MATE’s ongoing partnerships with Vietnamese universities and expressed its interest in expanding collaboration in training, research and technology transfer. He affirmed that MATE is ready to host Vietnamese scientists for research activities and develop training programs tailored to Vietnam’s needs.

The two sides also discussed promoting joint research projects, implementing joint training programs, and expanding student and lecturer exchanges. Currently, 51 Vietnamese students are studying at MATE at various levels, from undergraduate to doctoral programs.

Thai affirmed that the Vietnamese Embassy stands ready to facilitate cooperation and serve as a bridge connecting MATE with Vietnamese educational and research institutions and businesses.

Young people set to shape the future of Viet Nam-Russia friendship

Young people from Viet Nam and Russia have highlighted their role in carrying forward the two countries’ longstanding friendship and developing new forms of cooperation, proposing joint research projects, language exchanges and youth initiatives at a recent forum Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The proposals emerged during a discussion entitled “Keeping the Flame of Friendship Alive: Vietnamese and Russian Youth, Shared Traditions and a Common Future”, held at the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, on October 16 as part of the second Russia-Viet Nam People-to-People Diplomacy Forum.

Vyacheslav Kalganov, acting chairman of the Committee for External Relations of Saint Petersburg, emphasised that young people are both inheritors of the friendship built by previous generations and active contributors to the future of bilateral relations. He said the city has proposed working with Vietnamese partners to organise a Russia-Viet Nam Youth Forum in 2027, providing a platform for young people to meet, exchange ideas and develop joint projects.

Mai Nguyen Tuyet Hoa, first secretary at the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia and representative of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training in Russia, highlighted science and technology, innovation and human resource development as important drivers of bilateral relations. She encouraged young people to turn meetings and exchanges into practical initiatives, including Vietnamese-Russian language clubs, joint research groups and student projects.

The embassy, she said, stands ready to connect partners and support such initiatives.

Nguyen Ngoc Hung, vice president of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, and other participants also stressed the importance of engaging younger generations in people-to-people diplomacy to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples.

Education and language as bridges between generations

Presentations at the discussion highlighted education and language exchange as enduring links between Vietnamese and Russian youth.

Lyudmila Aladyshkina, a lecturer at Herzen University, shared her experience teaching Vietnamese students, noting that friendships were forged not only in classrooms but also through cultural activities, festivals and community life. She outlined Russian-language teaching programs in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and proposed a Russia-Viet Nam pedagogical forum and more joint research projects in education, cited VOV.

Vyacheslav Kalganov, acting chairman of the Committee for External Relations of Saint Petersburg (P) and Nguyen Ngoc Hung, vice president of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations during the discussion.

Two young representatives of Herzen University illustrated how language learning could bring people closer. Student Diana Ryzhakova introduced the university’s Vietnamese-language program, which involves native-speaking lecturers, classes on Vietnamese culture and student placements in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Natalia Lisochenko, a former student of the university’s Faculty of Philology, recounted spending five weeks teaching Russian to Grade 10 students at a boarding school in Dien Bien Province. For the pupils, their first Russian phrases opened a window onto a new language and culture. For Lisochenko, the experience offered a firsthand lesson in how language can connect people across thousands of kilometres.

From the Vietnamese student perspective, Tran Mai Tuan Phong of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) said Vietnamese students in Russia needed to understand the host country’s culture, history and people, as well as master the Russian language, to serve as bridges of friendship. He called for more regular exchanges and closer coordination among students, universities and diplomatic missions, stressing that students should be recognised as active contributors to bilateral relations.

Turning dialogue into practical youth cooperation

Ho Thanh Binh, deputy head of the Educational Policy Research Division at the Institute of Educational Policy and Strategy, proposed practical cooperation programs, including Viet Nam-Russia youth laboratories, joint project-based semesters, start-up incubators and a mentoring network involving former students who had studied in the partner country.

He also suggested piloting a Viet Nam-Russia Youth Cooperation Action Program for 2027–2029, with specific criteria for assessing its results.

During the open discussion, participants suggested forming Vietnamese-Russian student research groups to work on joint projects, organising a Russia-Viet Nam Youth Festival and holding a Science and Technology Day as part of Viet Nam Week in Saint Petersburg.

The proposals underscored the potential for young people to do more than inherit the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Russia. Through education, research, cultural exchange and joint initiatives, they can help develop new channels of cooperation and contribute to the countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership.

Viet Nam wins gold at 2026 Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad

All four Vietnamese students won medals at the 2026 Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad, securing one gold, two silvers and one bronze to place Viet Nam fourth overall among 15 participating countries and territories.

The gold medal went to Le Ba Tuan Viet, a student at the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, affiliated with the University of Science under Viet Nam National University, Hanoi.

Two silver medals were awarded to Truong Ba Chi Thanh, also from the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences, and Tang Hao Nhien from Quoc Hoc Hue High School for the Gifted in Hue City.

Le Hong Nhan, a student at Lam Son High School for the Gifted in Thanh Hoa province, earned the bronze medal.

The second Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad (FIPhO 2026) took place in Uzbekistan from October 10 to 17, attracting 107 contestants from 15 countries and territories.

With all four team members winning medals, Viet Nam finished fourth overall, behind Russia, China and Uzbekistan.

Viet Nam's representatives were selected from students who were in Grade 11 during the 2025-2026 academic year and had participated in the Ministry of Education and Training's selection examination for the 2026 International Physics Olympiad team, VNN reported.

The Vietnamese delegation at the 2026 Al-Fergani International Physics Olympiad. From left: Associate Professor Pham Van Hai, Truong Ba Chi Thanh, Le Ba Tuan Viet, Tang Hao Nhien, Le Hong Nhan, a volunteer and Associate Professor Nguyen Cong Toan.

The selection was based on examination results, with candidates ranked in descending order of performance.

The Ministry of Education and Training assigned Hanoi National University of Education to lead the team's preparation and organize its participation in the competition.

The Olympiad provides an international academic platform for students to demonstrate their physics knowledge, scientific reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

It also challenges participants to apply their understanding of physics to both theoretical and experimental problems in a competitive academic environment.

This year's examination was designed to place greater emphasis on applying physics knowledge to analyze, explain and solve problems connected to real-world situations and modern scientific developments.

The competition consisted of two official components: a theoretical examination and an experimental examination.

Each component was held on a separate day, with contestants given five hours to complete the tasks.

The theoretical examination comprised three problems worth a maximum of 60 points, while the experimental examination carried a maximum of 40 points.

The examinations were highly demanding, requiring contestants not only to demonstrate a thorough understanding of fundamental physical laws and principles but also to apply logical reasoning, analytical skills and integrated scientific knowledge to complex problems.

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