The United Kingdom is one of the priority countries for Swiss foreign policy. In their talks the two ministers discussed cooperation between the two states, which takes place at various levels. Federal Councillor Burkhalter also explained Swiss EU policy and the new proposals for dealing with institutional issues which Switzerland has submitted to the EU Commission in Brussels.
Switzerland and the United Kingdom are linked by common values and by a liberal tradition. In international organisations they often advocate similar positions, especially with regard to personal freedoms and human rights. There are also numerous joint projects in the fields of science and research involving Swiss and British universities or in the framework of EU programmes. As major financial centres, Great Britain and Switzerland have similar interests, for example in financial market regulation. The two delegations agreed to continue and to intensify cooperation.
Didier Burkhalter and David Lidington have agreed to strengthen the political dialogue between the FDFA and the Foreign Office on a regular and flexible basis.
The head of the FDFA and the British Minister also stressed the importance of economic relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Switzerland is one of Great Britain's most important trade partners and the second largest investor. There are about 700 Swiss companies operating in the United Kingdom.
After this meeting, Mr Lidington discussed the international situation with the State Secretary of the FDFA Yves Rossier. On Wednesday evening Mr Lidington paid a courtesy visit to Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann.
Further information:
Information FDFA
Phone: 031 322 31 53
Further information:
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and the United Kingdom
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
