Bern and Bratislava enjoy excellent bilateral relations. Slovakia is a beneficiary of the Swiss contribution to the reduction of social and economic disparities in the enlarged EU, within the scope of which Switzerland is financing 23 projects for a total amount of some CHF 67 million. The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will in particular visit a project providing the homeless of the Slovak capital with a safe place to spend the night and a warm meal.
In terms of the economy, relations are good, yet a potential for further development does exist. In 2011, Switzerland imported some CHF 670 million worth of goods from Slovakia, while Swiss exports to Slovakia amounted to nearly CHF 500 million. Swiss companies employed a total of 7111 persons in Slovakia in 2010.
Federal Councillor Burkhalter’s meeting with his counterpart Minister Miroslav Lajcak will provide an opportunity to conduct a general review of key international political issues. Mr. Lajcak is an expert on the Balkans and is also well acquainted with Switzerland as a result of having been in charge of the European Union’s directorate responsible for relations with Switzerland.
Further information:
Jean-Marc Crevoisier
Tel.: +41 (0)79 763 84 10
Further information:
Bilateral relations Switzerland - Slovakia
Slovak Republic: The commitment of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Project description: Pilot project for user-oriented social services for the homeless in Bratislava
Switzerland is supporting a dual vocational education matched with the labour market in Slovakia
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
