• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

President's discussions in Davos focus on geopolitical stability and economic development

Swiss Government

Bern, 23.01.2025 -- President Karin Keller-Sutter has held bilateral talks with heads of state and government on the fringes of the WEF Annual Meeting. Discussions have focused on the pursuit of geopolitical stability and economic development.

President Keller-Sutter discussed the close relations between Switzerland and the European Union and their further development with, among others, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was dedicated to the commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and to the country's reconstruction. President Keller-Sutter also met with other European leaders, including Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Taxation.

Marking the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the People's Republic of China, Ms Keller-Sutter met with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Both sides emphasised that the 'Innovative Strategic Partnership' agreed in 2016 had been strengthened in recent years. Political dialogues, including on human rights, were resumed after being suspended during the pandemic. Further topics on the agenda in Davos included the optimisation of the free trade agreement and financial relations.

Trade relations were addressed during a number of the discussions. Accompanied by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), the president and head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. During the exchange, both sides commended the excellent relations between Switzerland and Vietnam and cooperation in areas such as the economy, investment promotion, sustainable development, science and research. The delegations agreed to deepen bilateral ties, in principle in the form of a comprehensive partnership that reflects the priorities of the current collaboration.

At a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ms Keller-Sutter discussed South Africa's presidency of the G20 in 2025. Switzerland thanked South Africa for its invitation to take part in the Finance Track, during which key issues of the financial and economic system are discussed. This is the tenth consecutive invitation.

During talks with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, she discussed the free trade agreement between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which was signed in Davos. Lastly, at a meeting with Iraq's president, Abdel Latif Rachid, Karin Keller-Sutter discussed bilateral relations and the prospects for economic exchanges in the context of the situation in the Middle East.