Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani will travel to Bern, Switzerland, tomorrow for a meeting with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and to take part as guest of honour in the Swiss Ambassadors’ Conference.
The visit will provide an opportunity to take stock of bilateral relations between the two countries, which in recent years have seen a strengthening of dialogue and partnership across numerous sectors – from trade exchanges (Switzerland is currently Italy’s 5th largest export market, with over 1,000 Italian companies operating in the country), to the contribution of cross-border workers to both economies (there are over 670,000 Italian nationals residing in Switzerland, and 90,000 Italian cross-border commuters). In addition, more than 200,000 Swiss citizens of Italian origin live in Switzerland, bringing the wider Italian-related community – including Italian nationals, dual citizens, and those of Italian descent – to around 900,000 people, equivalent to 10% of the Confederation’s population.
The meeting will also provide an opportunity to address key international issues, including the crisis in the Middle East, mediation efforts for a just peace in Ukraine in light of the Alaska summit and meetings in Washington, and the matter of tariffs.
The programme includes a bilateral meeting between Minister Tajani and Councillor Cassis, the opening of the Swiss Ambassadors’ Conference, and a conversation between the two ministers on bilateral and international topics, moderated by journalist and author Philippe Mottaz. The two ministers will then hold a joint press point at 12:00 at the Kursaal Bern.
