Switzerland and the United States have agreed to continue their strategic partnership dialogue, which was launched in Bern in October 2021. The purpose of the dialogue is to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and their cooperation in international forums. The meetings, which take place once a year, set priorities for Swiss–US relations and help seek solutions to global problems. They are intended to complement and support the work of the existing working group dedicated to economic cooperation.
The two countries' delegations discussed a number of issues requiring extensive coordination between Swiss and US authorities, such as Switzerland's protecting power mandate for the United States in Iran. The two counterparts discussed their countries' approaches to major global challenges such as combating global warming, and the promotion of democracy and international law – in particular in the context of the war in Ukraine and its global consequences. The discussion also touched upon Ukraine's future reconstruction in the context of the recent international conference in Lugano. The meeting provided the opportunity to explain how Switzerland is preparing to assume its non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2023–24, a topic of great interest to the USA as a permanent member of the Council.
The annual strategic partnership meetings continue to strengthen Swiss–US bilateral relations with a focus on trade and finance. In 2020 and 2021, the US was the leading destination for Swiss exports outside Europe. In 2021, Switzerland was the 7th biggest foreign investor in the US, accounting for USD 300 billion. This translates into the direct creation of more than 400,000 jobs in the US by Swiss investors or companies.
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
