Solidarity, Sustainability, Simplicity, Suggestion

Dear visitors,

Swiss compatriots,

citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina

dear friends of Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Solidarity, Sustainability, Simplicity, Suggestion

I chose these four words to represent the four axes of the white cross on a red background: the flag of my country. In my mind, they portray some of the values that Switzerland want to project generally in the world. I believe the Swiss Embassy in Sarajevo, which I have the pleasure and honor of leading, is committed to promoting, among others, these four axes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Solidarity has characterized our bilateral relation since Swiss recognition of Bosnia and Herzegovina as an independent state in 1992 and the opening of a Swiss Embassy in Sarajevo in 1995, by promoting and supporting reconstruction efforts immediately after the war. This solidarity continues until now: we are proud to have provided, over the past 25 years, more than 600 million Swiss francs throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina for concrete development projects to improve lives of people and support reforms. This is also an appreciated contribution from a non-EU member country on the path towards EU integration of BiH.

Sustainability is marked by Switzerland’s long-term engagement in economic cooperation, promotion of local governance, peace promotion, security and migration partnership. Important support is provided by the Swiss Army contingent in the EUFOR Mission. On the other hand, our companies, important investors and job creators, as well as the other Swiss actors present, act responsibly and promote best practices. Through all these engagements, we want to promote excellent sustainable Swiss practices such as dual vocational training, green technology, promotion of biodiversity and financial sustainability, healthy democratic governance, better municipal services and a sound health sector.

Our countries share interesting common features: for instance, multiethnic, multicultural and multireligious population. As a response to that, we both adopted federalism and constructed a decentralized system. A lively federalism, combined with the direct democracy, so typical in Switzerland, needs exchanges, discussion and is by definition open to constructive criticism and advice. So, if you have questions, visions or different opinions, please: send us your suggestions!

Finally: we live in a complex world with complex issues, this requires also rather complex solutions. But simplicity, where possible, must also be aimed at to improve general good governance. It can be achieved with digitalization of some services, through good customer service for our citizens and our partner, with transparent exchange.

Our work is implemented through transparent coordination with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels and in close cooperation with several local, regional and international partner. Everything is implemented by the very dedicated staff of the Embassy in Sarajevo, whom I like to thank for their commitment.

Here we are, at your service with sympathy, seriousness and a smile.

Welcome to the website of the Swiss Embassy in Sarajevo!

Don’t miss to follow us also on www.SwissinBiH.ba and on social media Facebook, Instagram and YouTube on @swissembassysarajevo for more details on the what we do: but also the why and the how.

Gabriele Derighetti

Swiss Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina

About the Ambassador

Gabriele Derighetti, born in 1973, from Acquarossa (Ticino canton), graduated in 1998 as Forestry Engineer at the Federal Polytechnic School of Zurich (ETHZ). 

After several missions as a delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Africa and South America, he joined the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in 2004.

After his internship in Bern and Mexico, he worked from 2005 to 2008 at headquarters as desk officer responsible for Southeast Europe and later took a paternity leave of 8 months. He was transferred in 2009 as First Collaborator and Deputy Head of Mission to Dhaka / Bangladesh and in 2012, with the same previous function, to Lima / Peru.

Returning to the Ministry Headquarters in Bern in 2016, he has served 4 years as Deputy Head of the Political Division for the Middle East and North Africa. From 2020 until 2024 he was Ambassador of Switzerland to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Panama, with residence in San José.