At the bilateral level, Ms Baeriswyl and Mr Cho discussed the air transport agreement and cooperation in education, research and innovation, among other things. During their meeting they also reviewed multilateral cooperation on climate change and human rights policy and on implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
In addition, the two sides discussed the current situation on the Korean peninsula, particularly with regard to Switzerland's involvement in the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) in Korea.
During her official visit to Seoul, Ms Baeriswyl took part in the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy, which was constructed according to the principles of sustainability and is powered by solar and geothermal energy. A special programme of events was put together for the inauguration in conjunction with the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Zurich, which were represented in Seoul by Basel Cantonal Councillor Conradin Cramer and Zurich Cantonal Councillor Ernst Stocker.
Switzerland and South Korea's close economic relations have grown closer still since the signing of a free trade agreement between South Korea and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 2006, with the volume of trade between the two countries exceeding the four billion mark for the first time last year. A research agreement to promote and facilitate scientific cooperation between Switzerland and South Korea has been in place since 2008. South Korea is a priority country for Switzerland within the framework of its cooperation policy in the areas of education, research and innovation.
Further information:
Bilateral relations Switzerland – Republic of Korea
Blog: New embassy in Seoul harnesses the power of renewables
Press release FDF "Switzerland and South Korea sign protocol of amendment to double taxation agreement"
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Information
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
E-mail: info@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
