Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation

11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 10:33

Czech President Petr Pavel on state visit to Switzerland

On Wednesday, 6 November, the second day of the state visit, the president of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and First Lady Eva Pavlová were received on Bundesplatz by the federal government, led by President Viola Amherd. The official speeches and the talks that followed focused on the security situation and outlook for the European continent, as well as on bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

On the Swiss side, the official talks were led by President Amherd, who was joined by federal councillors Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Albert Rösti, head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) and Beat Jans, head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP).

Both sides acknowledged the shared values and close cooperation between Switzerland and the Czech Republic in the political, economic, cultural and scientific spheres. The issues discussed included ways of strengthening exchanges on research, energy supply and armaments. The talks also covered migration issues and the cooperation programme under the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, which in the Czech Republic focuses on sustainable tourism and biodiversity.

With regard to European policy, the Swiss delegation emphasised that, in negotiations with the European Union (EU), there was a desire on both sides to stabilise and further develop bilateral relations. Work on the outstanding issues and positions is currently under way. In order to gain support in both Switzerland and the EU, balanced solutions are needed that benefit both sides. Within the EU the member states play an important role in providing support. Other topics of discussion included the European Political Community, whose fifth summit will be held in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November, and transatlantic relations following the US elections.

Focus on the economy and security

On Tuesday, the first day of the state visit, the two presidents jointly opened a Swiss-Czech business forum at ETH Zurich and visited the Spiez Laboratory and the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) in Thun.

A central topic on Wednesday was Europe's security architecture, and in particular, the war in Ukraine. The discussion focused on solidarity with Ukraine, the country's reconstruction, and the measures needed to achieve a just and lasting peace. For Switzerland, it is clear that any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter. The Federal Council delegation emphasised that Switzerland remains ready to offer its good offices, with the aim of supporting concrete steps towards the involvement of both parties.

The talks also covered geopolitical developments, including the situation in the Middle East and the state of multilateralism, which allowed Switzerland to share its experiences as a member of the UN Security Council.

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland - Czech Republic

Address for enquiries:

DDPS Communications, tel. +41 58 464 50 58, [email protected]

Publisher:

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
The Federal Council
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs