Both parties acknowledged their good and respectful relations, which include a close exchange on a number of topics. The two countries have institutional contacts in the areas of the economy, finance, research, foreign and security policy, human rights, customs and agriculture. The Swiss President emphasised that Russia was a focus country of Swiss foreign policy and underlined the great potential that also existed in strengthening economic ties.
A key issue of the talks was the security situation in Europe. President Parmelin expressed Switzerland’s concern – like that of other countries – over the deteriorating security situation and the ongoing loss of trust. The parties also discussed their cooperation in the two multilateral institutions in which Russia plays a central role, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Switzerland is committed to strengthening the OSCE, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. Multilateral dialogue and cooperation are more important than ever before, Mr Parmelin said.
Switzerland’s protecting power mandate for Russia and Georgia is particularly important for Swiss-Russian relations. The Swiss delegation highlighted Switzerland’s commitment to the stability of the Caucasus, Central Asia and Eastern Europe in order to create a solid basis for sustainable development.
Besides President Parmelin, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and the two state secretaries, Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Livia Leu (FDFA), participated in the meeting. The Russian delegation included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in addition to President Putin.
Further information:
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Russia
Address for enquiries:
GS-EAER Communication Service, +41 58 462 20 07, info@gs-wbf.admin.ch
FDFA Communication Service, +41 58 462 31 53, kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Publisher:
Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
