Macron: Peace and democracy unite France and Switzerland
Published: Wednesday, Nov 15th 2023, 16:20
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France and Switzerland are united in their values such as democracy and peace. French President Emmanuel Macron said this on Wednesday in his welcoming address on his state visit to Bern. Both countries could not remain indifferent to the conflicts in the world.
In the foyer of the parliament building, Macron particularly mentioned the war in Ukraine, Israel following the Hamas massacre and other conflict hotspots such as the expulsions from Nagorno-Karabakh. Switzerland is showing its clear commitment to the war in Ukraine by adopting the EU sanctions.
"Each according to his means," said the President. Even without deliveries of war material, Swiss support such as humanitarian aid, demining and the reconstruction conference in Lugano were important factors for Ukraine.
Macron agreed with the previous speaker, Alain Berset, that the moment weighed heavily. The historical and cultural friendship between France and Switzerland would do the same. It is essential for Switzerland to clarify its relations with the EU.
A key moment has arrived and the negotiations must lead to success. France supports the EU Commission in its intentions, also because of research and the economy.
France and Switzerland are more than neighbors, they are friends, cousins as it were. Both countries have a common heritage to defend. The areas of cooperation are diverse, explained Macron.
The two countries reaffirmed their shared interest in protecting glaciers at an international conference in Paris. Cooperation in the health sector has deepened during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A colloquium between the two countries in this area will follow in 2024, at which the issue of healthcare staff will also be discussed. "Long live France, long live Switzerland and long live friendship," concluded the guest of state in his speech.
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