The tasks of the embassy

As the official representation of Switzerland, the embassy covers all matters concerning diplomatic relations between the governments of Switzerland and Costa Rica, as well as in El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. It represents Swiss interests in the areas of political, economic and financial affairs, legal arrangements, science, education and culture.

The embassy supports cooperation between Switzerland and Costa Rica, as well as for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama. In this respect, close contact with the respective ministries of economic affairs is important. Bilateral meetings organised by the embassy are used to strengthen relations between Switzerland and Costa Rica, as well as El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama.

The embassy promotes the Swiss economy in Costa Rica and the other countries involved, Swiss exports and tourism. It establishes contacts with Swiss businesses and provides them with general information and legal advice concerning the economy of the Costa Rica, as well as El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama. The embassy monitors the economic and political situation in the country and communicates developments that are of interest to Switzerland.

The embassy fosters collaboration in the areas of science, technology and education with the aim of strengthening cooperation between the countries involved in terms of research and innovation. It promotes the exchange of ideas between scientific institutions and universities. It also supports Swiss students in the host country as well as El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and tries to encourage qualified students from the countries involed to study in Switzerland.

In terms of culture, the embassy aims to promote mutual understanding in its work to implement Swiss cultural policy. It strengthens contacts with – and between – relevant cultural institutions of Switzerland and those of the concurrent countries, and also with artists, for example supporting Swiss artists who would like to show their work abroad. Events organised or supported by the embassy should highlight Switzerland's commitment to culture and help build bridges between different cultures.

With regard to the media, the embassy acts as an interface between the Swiss government and the official representations in Costa Rica or the concurrent countries and the national and international media in the involved countries. It supports the work of journalists working for Swiss media.