Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen are accused of leaving tens of thousands of civilians dead.
Keystone
Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Pascale Baeriswyl is to fly to Saudi Arabia this Sunday for political consultations, just after the foreign ministry banned aircraft firm Pilatus from operating there.
Baeriswyl will be accompanied by specialists on financial, economic and human rights issues, according to the foreign affairs ministry. Spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger said these political exchanges have been taking place every year since 2012 and are an occasion to discuss bilateral as well as regional and global issues.
This time the talks will nevertheless be taking place in a particular context. On June 26, the foreign ministry banned aircraft manufacturer Pilatus from providing services to the armed forces of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It deemed that the services in question, which include technical support, replacement parts management and fixing problems with the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, constituted “logistical support to the armed forces” contrary to the Federal Act on Private Security Services provided AbroadExternal link.
This law, which came into force in 2015, bans Swiss-based companies from activities that contribute directly to hostilities abroad. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have for several years been involved in the civil war in Yemen, where Saudi-led airstrikes are accused of having left tens of thousands of civilians dead.
Saudi Arabia has also come in for heavy international criticism over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Switzerland has called for a fair judicial process, but has been less critical than some other countries. According to Swiss ambassador to the UN Valentin Zellweger, Switzerland finds itself “in a special position because of its mandate as a protective powerExternal link for Saudi Arabia and Iran”.
Switzerland represents Saudi Arabia’s interests in Iran and Iran’s interests in Saudi Arabia.
More
More
Row over ‘export ban’ to Saudi Arabia takes new turn
This content was published on
Switzerland’s prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal investigation in connection with the sale of training aircraft to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
Lufthansa set to abolish in-flight sales, SWISS to keep them
This content was published on
Perfumes, cigarettes, sunglasses: The German airline Lufthansa will no longer sell these products on long-haul flights in future. Lufthansa subsidiary Swiss is sticking to in-flight sales for the time being.
This content was published on
After a short break due to the cool weather, grass pollen is now flying in Switzerland, the Swiss Allergy Centre said on Monday.
This content was published on
Researchers have shown for the first time in Switzerland that urban greenery measurably reduces the stress levels of city dwellers.
US tariffs affect canton Zurich less than other locations
This content was published on
The Zurich cantonal government is observing the developments surrounding the US tariffs "with concern". Compared to other locations, however, Zurich should get off lightly.
This content was published on
The Alpine Museum in Bern is showing the finds of diver David Godio, who has been fishing lost objects out of the River Aare for years.
This content was published on
Healthcare costs in Switzerland rose by 2.4% in 2023. The Swiss healthcare system thus cost around CHF94 billion ($113 billion).
Karaoke tram to run through Basel during Eurovision
This content was published on
A karaoke tram will be doing the rounds in Basel during the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). During a 90-minute journey, guests can sing and dance for free in a vintage car.
Net wealth of Swiss households rises to CHF4.8 trillion
This content was published on
Private household assets in Switzerland continued to grow strongly in 2024. The increase was driven by both the growth in financial assets and higher property assets.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Aircraft company banned from providing services to Saudi Arabia
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry has banned the aircraft manufacturer Pilatus from operating in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Pilatus challenges ‘export ban’ to Saudi Arabia and UAE
This content was published on
The Swiss aircraft manufacturer takes the foreign ministry to court for banning the company from operating in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Switzerland calls for fair trial in case of slain Saudi journalist
This content was published on
The call came as the UN Human Rights Council met in Geneva to hear a special rapporteur's findings on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.