A short guided tour of Zofingen and a reception with military honours at Niklaus Thut Square in the town centre were followed by official talks in the town hall. The talks focused on how to deepen bilateral relations, and included the implementation of the strategic partnership between Switzerland and Austria. The aim of this partnership is to intensify cooperation, for example via political exchanges concerning the Western Balkans and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as mutual consular support in third countries. Other important matters discussed were the fight against the pandemic, relations between Switzerland and the EU, cooperation in the Western Balkans and the situation in Eastern Europe. The reform of the Schengen/Dublin systems and bilateral cooperation in migration and security were also discussed with Keller-Sutter.
From Austria, Vorarlberg State Governor Markus Wallner also took part in the talks. In the Lake Constance region, which includes the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, cross-border relations and cooperation between the two countries also have a very tangible effect on everyday life. For Cassis, also head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), cooperation across national borders is of the utmost political significance. Cross-border cooperation in the Lake Constance region, guided by the International Lake Constance Conference (IBK), plays a key role in this regard.
Welcoming the world to all four corners of Switzerland
The reception of the Austrian Federal Chancellor in Zofingen marks the starting point for the official visits of foreign guests planned this year in as many different corners of Switzerland as possible. These plans are a perfect example of the Swiss president's credo of presenting his country's diversity to the outside world while also making foreign policy a tangible reality for people throughout Switzerland. There is a deep-rooted history linking the town of Zofingen and the canton of Aargau with Austria, and with the Habsburgs in particular. The town itself belonged to Further Austria until 1415, when it became part of Bern. Since 1803 Zofingen has belonged to the canton of Aargau. Even today, the town's historical ties with Austria are visible, expressed in the red-and-white stripes of Zofingen's emblem.
Further information:
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Austria
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
