Bern, Press releases, 22.10.2009

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, today received the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos for a working visit and luncheon. Spain will assume the EU Presidency on 1 January 2010 and, in this capacity, will be a particularly crucial discussion partner for Switzerland.

Among other topics, the discussions focused on bilateral relations, the European Union, the Swiss Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, and several current themes on the international front such as the situation in the Balkans, in the Caucasus, and in the Middle East. Issues concerning climate change, renewable energies, and multilateral cooperation were also on the agenda.  

The bilateral relations between Switzerland and Spain are excellent and intensive, suitably enhanced by numerous high-level, official contacts at regular intervals. Economic relations have also developed in a dynamic manner over the past years. As to the human relations aspect, it is characterized by a significant Spanish presence in Switzerland (80,000 persons) and Swiss presence in Spain (24,000 persons).

Mr. Moratinos will round out his stay with a visit to Ascona in the afternoon, where he will be received by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Council of States. 


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