Welcome message from the Ambassador

Photo of the Swiss Ambassador to the United Kingdom
Ambassador Markus Leitner © FDFA

Dear visitor,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the website of the Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom. Here you can find information on all facets of the strong and long-standing relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the Embassy’s services and activities as well as Switzerland in general.

The first official Treaty of Friendship between Switzerland and the UK was signed in September 1855 but the close political, economic and cultural ties between our two countries date back much further, of course. As the official representation of Switzerland in the UK, we strive to maintain and to foster these ties and to promote Swiss interests and values across the UK.

Today, strengthening these bonds between Switzerland and the UK is of paramount importance. The Swiss government’s successful Mind the Gap strategy has ensured continuity in the post-Brexit UK-Swiss relationship, leading to a range of new agreements, amongst others in the areas of trade, citizens’ rights, transport, insurance and the mobility of service providers. Switzerland is the third most important non-EU market for overall UK exports (goods and services). Our two countries share a number of strengths: both are world leaders in innovation, research and education and home to important international financial centres. On this solid base, we are now well placed to deepen our political, scientific and economic ties.

The 38,000 Swiss citizens living in the UK are the backbone of our strong political, scientific, cultural and economic presence. The Embassy is a service centre for the Swiss community and the Swiss travellers who visit this country. As a regional hub, our consulate also provides services to the Swiss living in the Republic of Ireland.

Whether in business, culture, science or innovation, we have plenty of stories to tell about the Swiss-UK relationship and there will be many more in the future. To stay up to date with our activities, you are invited to subscribe to our Embassy Newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. I invite you to explore our website, discover the rich history and promising future of the relationship between Switzerland and the UK, and hopefully we might meet at an event at the Embassy in the near future!

Ambassador Markus Leitner

Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Kingdom