Türkiye and Switzerland held political consultations in Ankara

Deputy Foreign Minister and E.U. President Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay and State Secretary of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Alexandre Fasel led political consultations between Türkiye and Switzerland in Ankara.

According to diplomatic sources, the consultations in the capital city covered a comprehensive range of topics, including bilateral relations and cooperation opportunities with Switzerland, which is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The discussions also addressed issues related to counter-terrorism and irregular migration.

According to sources, the consultations also covered issues pertaining to the Turkish community in Switzerland.

According to sources, the upcoming Ukraine Peace Summit, scheduled to be hosted by Switzerland in June, was also a key topic of discussion, emphasizing Türkiye’s active role in the security of the region and Europe in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They also deliberated on current regional and international issues, particularly those related to the Middle East, the Caucasus, and the Balkans.

Diplomatic sources stated, “The consultations allowed for the discussion of multilateral issues such as our countries’ relations with the E.U., the Council of Europe, the U.N., and our international candidacies.”

Bilateral relations with Switzerland

“Our relationship with Switzerland, which has a deep-rooted history, is one we aim to advance based on mutual benefit,” said sources close to the ministers from both nations, emphasizing that high-level contacts contribute to strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding.

Sources recalled that Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis visited Türkiye on March 1-2 for the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he spoke at the “Future of the European Security Architecture” panel and held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Antalya.

Pointing out that commercial and economic cooperation is a priority aspect of bilateral relations, diplomatic sources stated, “In 2023, our total trade volume reached $22 billion. We aim to further utilize the existing potential and mutual investments in this area.”

Expressing satisfaction with the approximately 400,000 Swiss tourists who visited Türkiye in 2023, sources added that they look forward to welcoming more Swiss visitors in the future.