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Visit to Rome by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter
10.09.2012Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter will pay an official working visit to Rome on 13 September. He will meet the Italian minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Giulio Terzi. Bilateral issues, in particular the fiscal dialogue and cross-border co-operation, will be discussed. Mr Burkhalter and Mr Terzi will also discuss European policy, multilateral and international questions.
Relations between Switzerland and Italy have traditionally been close and intensive. At the moment they are characterised by the wish of both sides to settle the financial and fiscal questions that have been pending between the two states. In accordance with the foreign policy strategy 2012-2015 adopted by the Federal Council at the beginning of the year, Switzerland wishes to put a particular focus on its relations with neighbouring states.
To consolidate the new impetus in bilateral relations, notably the resumption of the fiscal dialogue, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will meet the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Giulio Terzi on 13 September in Rome.
Their talks will deal with bilateral issues. Close economic political and human links exist between Switzerland and Italy and the two countries deal bilaterally with a variety of commercial, legal and cultural matters every day. In economic terms, Italy is Switzerland's second commercial partner and Switzerland is the second country for exports and the fourth country for imports for Italy excluding the EU. Today it more than 50,000 Swiss nationals live in Italy, while about 500,000 persons of Italian nationality live in Switzerland, making them the largest foreign community in this country. In addition, 58,000 Italian cross-border commuters work in Switzerland.
Cross-border co-operation is a key element in bilateral relations between the two countries and the two foreign ministers will discuss this topic from the viewpoint of infrastructure, transport and economic exchanges. A number of energy issues will also be discussed, as well as Expo 2015, which will be held in Milan.
During his visit to Rome, Mr Burkhalter will explain to Mr Terzi Switzerland's approach to its relations with the EU. At the multilateral level, Mr Burkhalter will mention the Swiss chairmanship in office of the OSCE in 2014, Switzerland's role in the UN and its candidacy for the Green Climate Fund. The two ministers will also exchange views on the international politics, including the situation in Syria.
Additional information:
Jean-Marc Crevoisier
Head of FDFA Information
+41 (0)79 763 84 10
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Internet: http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/recent/media.html
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Last modification: 20.09.2011