On January 29, Hanoi Chairman Vu Dai Thang held a courtesy meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass, during which the two sides discussed cooperation activities in celebration of the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Switzerland diplomatic relations.

Ambassador Thomas Gass expressed pleasure at the steady strengthening of Vietnam–Switzerland relations across many fields. In recent years, ties between Hanoi and Bern have grown closer through practical and meaningful cooperation.

In 2010, on the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long–Hanoi, Bern presented Hanoi with a floral clock installed near Hoan Kiem Lake as a symbol of friendship.

After years of operation, the clock required repairs. The Swiss Embassy in Vietnam and the city of Bern sent experts to restore and reinstall it.

To mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Gass proposed coordinating with Hanoi to hold a re-inauguration ceremony and sign a memorandum of understanding on joint operation and maintenance.

He said the clock represents not only a symbolic structure but also a form of regular cooperation that further strengthens friendship and mutual trust.

The ambassador also proposed organizing a jazz music festival in Hanoi as a cultural highlight that brings the people of both countries closer.

Thanking Ambassador Gass for his goodwill and concrete proposals, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang said Vietnam has entered a new era of strong and confident development.

In this context, Hanoi values and seeks to deepen cooperation with international partners, including Switzerland, he said.

He expressed support for activities celebrating friendship between Hanoi and Bern and between Vietnam and Switzerland on the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Thang said Hanoi is implementing a redevelopment project around Hoan Kiem Lake, including building a public square on the eastern side.

Combining commemorative activities with the inauguration of new works in this area would carry strong political, cultural and symbolic significance, he noted.

He welcomed the proposed jazz festival and said Hanoi is strongly developing its cultural industries as a key driver of sustainable growth.

"Hanoi welcomes and stands ready to facilitate the Swiss Embassy in organizing music and cultural exchange events that strengthen people-to-people ties," he said.

Beyond cultural cooperation, Hanoi hopes Swiss businesses and financial institutions will show greater interest in the city's investment environment.

Hanoi is revising its development planning with a longer-term vision toward a green, clean, modern and smart city, while mobilizing domestic and foreign capital for redevelopment, infrastructure and urban projects.

Thang expressed hope that Ambassador Gass will continue serving as a bridge connecting reputable Swiss businesses and financial institutions with Hanoi.

Before approving the new Hanoi master plan, the city will consult international experts and hold discussions with embassy representatives in Hanoi.

Hanoi looks forward to receiving valuable input from Switzerland and other partners.