Hanoi, Oct. 18 -- Prime Minister Le made the above statement during his meeting with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Ha Noi on October 17.

Le reassured that the Government of Viet Nam always regards Switzerland as a reliable friend and a major European partner, expressing his wish that both countries would further enhance political trust, delegation exchanges and contacts, promote the role of existing cooperation mechanisms, and soon establish inter-governmental mechanisms on economic, scientific-technological and innovation cooperation.

He appreciated Switzerland's active role in pushing for the signing of the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member countries, which would help Viet Na...