Politics · Vietnam Bureau
Swiss President's spouse visits historic Hanoi pharmacy university
First Lady of Switzerland joins Vietnamese counterpart at Hanoi University of Pharmacy during official state visit. The institution holds special significance in Swiss-Vietnamese relations due to its historical connections to a pioneering Swiss-born scientist.
LSN Vietnam ·
The spouse of Swiss President Guy Parmelin visited Hanoi University of Pharmacy on Thursday as part of an official state delegation to Vietnam, accompanied by Vietnam's first lady. The visit underscores the symbolic importance of the institution in bilateral relations between Hanoi and Bern.
Hanoi University of Pharmacy traces its origins to the Indochina Medical College, founded under the leadership of Alexandre Yersin, a Swiss-born French scientist. Yersin, born in 1863 in the canton of Vaud—the homeland of President Parmelin—served as the institution's first principal and made significant contributions to advancing medical science and healthcare infrastructure in Vietnam during the French colonial period.
The university's historical legacy continues to represent a bridge between Swiss and Vietnamese scientific and medical traditions. The visit by the Swiss president's delegation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen collaborative ties between the two nations across education, healthcare, and scientific research sectors.
President Parmelin's state visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement, with officials from both countries expected to discuss expanded cooperation frameworks in coming days.