Visit to Bern by the president of the French National Assembly

At the bilateral level, the two presidents emphasised the strength of economic ties between Switzerland and France and the dynamism of cross-border relations. Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing border regions, mobility, energy and cooperation in the transport sector, and the management of transboundary water resources. Two memorandums of understanding were signed in these domains last February, followed in September of the same year by two agreements on the management of the waters of the Rhône and Lake Geneva. The two presidents also discussed cooperation between Switzerland and France regarding the G7 summit held in Évian in June. Mr Page emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation and to capitalise on the proximity between the two countries along the roughly 600-kilometre-long shared border.

With regard to inter-parliamentary relations, appreciation was expressed for the regular contacts that take place at presidential level as well as between the Delegation for Relations with the French Parliament and their counterparts in the French National Assembly and Senate, which help to maintain a continuous dialogue - something that is particularly important given the intensity and breadth of relations between the two countries. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the mechanisms of democratic participation and the challenges facing democracies today, particularly regarding participation in political processes, the forming of public opinion and trust in democratic institutions.

With regard to relations between Switzerland and the EU, the president of the National Council briefed his French counterpart on the state of parliamentary deliberations on the Switzerland-EU package and the main issues at the heart of the political debate in Switzerland. Mr Page and Ms Braun-Pivet also discussed the main topic in international affairs, focusing on the war in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe.

The French National Assembly president's programme in Bern also included a courtesy visit to Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs. Particular attention was also paid to Switzerland's system of dual-track vocational education and training. During a visit to Swisscom, Ms Braun-Pivet met a group of apprentices and was able to gain a deeper understanding of the specific features of the Swiss model.

France is a key partner in Swiss foreign policy. The close and fruitful relations between the two neighbouring countries are governed by numerous bilateral treaties and by the agreements concluded between Switzerland and the EU. Bilateral cooperation focuses in particular on economic issues, research and innovation, as well as infrastructure projects. Switzerland and France also maintain regular dialogue on international affairs and on cooperation within multilateral bodies.

The delegation accompanying the president of the French National Assembly comprised the MPs Marc Ferracci (Ensemble pour la République) and Bruno Fuchs (Les Démocrates).