As part of his working visit to Switzerland, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met Wednesday in Bern with Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis. This is a first meeting in 12 years between the two countries’ foreign ministers.
Talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations through boosting economic cooperation, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic situation, current issues in the area of international and regional policy, and multilateral cooperation nurturing partnership with Switzerland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
“Swiss development assistance, as part of the latest 2021-2024 Strategy for North Macedonia, is of substantial importance. As much as 72 million Swiss francs will be allocated to our country. The funds intended for democratic governance, employment and economic development, and infrastructure and environment, are a significant contribution and an impetus to further economic and democratic development of our country, as well as implementation of reforms, and a basis to deepen bilateral relations,” Osmani pointed out.
Osmani and Cassis tackled the country’s upcoming 2023 OSCE Chairmanship, as well as opportunities to apply Swiss experience and obtain specific Swiss assistance and expertise as part of the multidisciplinary Organization that addresses a number of challenges and achieves constructive solutions.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two also discussed about North Macedonia’s large diaspora in Switzerland which contributes to its development, and hence to building the prosperity of the country. “Its constructive role is a strong and solid bridge of rapprochement between our two friendly countries,” Osmani pointed out.
“Minister Osmani continues his visit to Switzerland with meetings in Sion with several representatives of our diaspora. His next destination is Madrid, where he is set to meet with Spanish colleague Arancha González Laya and other Spanish officials,” reads the press release.
