Dear Compatriots,
Dear Friends of Switzerland,

After five years in Brussels, I assumed my position as Consul General of Switzerland in Istanbul last September. I am very excited about this new mission in this fascinating metropolis and this beautiful country, Türkiye.

Nearly 5'725 Swiss citizens are registered with the Consulate General, and every year, 390'044 tourists from Switzerland visit the country. As a result, interaction with our community is very dynamic. We strive to serve you in the best possible way and to facilitate the administrative procedures under our jurisdiction to the extent of our capabilities.

The bilateral relations between our two countries are excellent, both politically and economically. However, there is always room to enhance the volume and quality of our trade exchanges and investments, as Türkiye represents a vast and dynamic market that is highly attractive to Swiss companies. Together with the Embassy in Ankara, the Consulate General will continue its efforts in this regard. In 2025, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Friendship Treaty between Switzerland and Türkiye. A series of events—such as concerts and an exhibition—are being planned to take place in Istanbul and/or Ankara.

In the cultural sphere, the Consulate General is also very committed to promoting Swiss artists visiting Türkiye and enhancing the already excellent image of our country here.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a joyful holiday season and a great start to 2025.

With my best regards,

Philippe Brandt