Neutral Switzerland hosts official visit by NATO boss

NATO Chair Admiral Rob Bauer is discussing further cooperation with Switzerland. Keystone / Stephanie Lecocq

The Chair of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Defense Alliance (NATO) is paying a two-day official visit to the Swiss Army. Admiral Rob Bauer is meeting Swiss Army chief Thomas Süssli and Federal Councilor Viola Amherd.

The visit on Monday and Tuesday is intended to strengthen cooperation. The Federal Council announced in a statement on Monday that discussions were taking place with Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, on the development of the security situation and the possibilities of intensifying cooperation in the area of ​​security policy.

At the meeting between the NATO admiral and Swiss corps commander Thomas Süssli, the situation in Ukraine and the consequences of the war for Europe and NATO will be discussed. It should also be about implementing the goals of cooperation between Switzerland and NATO, which directly affect the Swiss army.

The Federal Council announced that this cooperation takes place within the framework of the Partnership for Peace. It contributes to cementing the Federal Council’s intention to strengthen international cooperation in the area of ​​security policy. 

In September 2022, the Federal Council declared that it wanted to work more closely, particularly with NATO and its member states, within the framework of neutrality law.

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