Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statements following his meeting with the Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign[...]

It is with particular pleasure and honor that I welcome to Athens today the Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis.

Today's meeting provides an opportunity to reaffirm the excellent level of our bilateral relations. Greece and Switzerland are bound by a long-standing and deep friendship, founded on historical ties and shared values.

We converge on many issues of international interest. We believe in the power of multilateral diplomacy, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Values and principles which also coincide with your priorities, dear Minister, during Switzerland's Chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 2026.

Today, we had the opportunity to exchange views on current geopolitical developments and on the situation in the world, in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the broader Middle East. Greece consistently supports the resolution of disputes through negotiation and dialogue.

Greek foreign policy is guided by the fundamental principles of International Law, including the International Law of the Sea and International Humanitarian Law.

In this context, we particularly appreciate Switzerland's stance as the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions and host to major international organizations.

Switzerland embodies the concept of active neutrality through its longstanding commitment to peace initiatives, its tradition of mediation, the good offices it provides, and its provision of humanitarian and development aid.

We also discussed relations between Switzerland and the European Union. Greece consistently supports the preservation of a close and functional relationship.

We consider Switzerland an integral part of the European architecture of security and prosperity, and we look forward to the further deepening of our cooperation, particularly in areas such as foreign policy and defence, migration, and research.

As regards our bilateral cooperation, Switzerland is one of the leading foreign investors in Greece, with a strong presence in critical sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, banking and innovation services.

We agreed to further reinforce this momentum by encouraging new partnerships that will capitalize on the stable and investment-friendly environment established in Greece.

As for bilateral trade, we agree that there remains room for further growth, although it has been on an upward trajectory in recent years. In the field of tourism, we are particularly pleased that Greece has traditionally been among the most popular destinations for Swiss visitors.

With Switzerland, we maintain constructive cooperation in the field of irregular migration. This is reflected in the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between Greece and Switzerland for the period 2025-2029 between the respective competent Ministries of Migration. These actions concern the integration of women and children and the strengthening of voluntary return procedures.

In addition, Greece and Switzerland cooperate closely in the fields of culture and education. The Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece carries out highly significant work, such as the excavations in Eretria, which constitute a vivid example of the profound philhellenism that permeates Swiss society.

The "Swiss House for Culture, Research and Diplomacy", which will be inaugurated today by the Minister, will host both the Archaeological School and the new Embassy of Switzerland, in one of the most beautiful and historic areas of Athens, Plaka.

Our ties are further strengthened daily by the presence of a dynamic Greek diaspora in Switzerland, which serves as a solid bridge between our two peoples.

Beyond the diplomatic agenda, Greece and Switzerland are also brought closer together by one of the most historic figures in modern Greek history.

Greece and Switzerland share a common "architect": Ioannis Kapodistrias. This year, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of his birth.

This eminent diplomat and statesman, the first Governor of the newly founded Greek state, was among the most decisive figures in the institutional reorganization of Switzerland and of its status of permanent neutrality.

At the unveiling of the bust of Ioannis Kapodistrias in the Swiss city, on March 25, 2025, the Mayor of Geneva, Christina Kitsos, stated that "Ioannis Kapodistrias embodies diplomatic intelligence, foresight and the ability to act with courage and conviction in the face of historic challenges. Qualities that we absolutely need today". Qualities that, I would add, the Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, who honors us with his presence today, possesses in abundance.

Once again, thank you very much.

May 22, 2026