Emmanuel Macron discusses relations with the Federal Council
Published: Wednesday, Nov 15th 2023, 04:50
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French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday for a two-day state visit. The topics of discussion with the Federal Council will be diplomatic relations and bilateral dossiers.
In keeping with tradition, the entire Federal Council receives the presidential couple on the Bundesplatz in Bern with military honors. This is followed by the official welcoming speeches in the lobby of the Federal Palace before the political discussions take place in the Bernerhof.
Relations between France and Switzerland are of great importance for the economy, research, energy, the environment, health and mobility, as the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) announced in advance.
Switzerland's goals for the further development of the bilateral approach with the European Union are also on the agenda. An exchange on current political issues, cooperation in the UN Security Council, international Geneva and science diplomacy is also planned.
On the second day of their visit, President Alain Berset and his French counterpart visit the Jean Monnet Foundation in Lausanne. This is where the archives of the pioneer of European unification are kept.
Strained relationships
At the University of Lausanne, Macron will give a lecture to students on the challenges facing the continent. A visit to the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva is also on the agenda.
Relations between Switzerland and France were strained, especially after Switzerland decided to buy its new fighter jets from the United States (F-35) instead of opting for the French Rafale.
The reception of Emmanuel Macron by the Federal Council and the recent resumption of numerous ministerial visits are being interpreted as a sign of a new serenity in Franco-Swiss relations.
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