Jacques Pitteloud, the Swiss ambassador to the United States, does not foresee an improvement in bilateral relations following the change of power in Washington. The Biden administration will “probably not have much time for Switzerland”, he says.
The new US administration simply has too many problems to solve, he said in an interviewExternal link with newspaper Blick, publishedon Wednesday.
Pitteloud, who will attend the inauguration of Joe Biden on Wednesday, also expressed scepticism about a free-trade agreement between Switzerland and the United States.
“The new administration around Joe Biden will certainly have to deal with other problems first,” he said. “Had Donald Trump been given a second term as US president, Switzerland might have had a slightly better chance for a free-trade agreement,” he reckoned, echoing comments made at the weekend by Edward McMullen, the outgoing US ambassador to Switzerland.
“But we will continue to work towards a free-trade agreement.”
More
More
US ambassador McMullen says farewell
This content was published on
Edward McMullen, the United States ambassador to Switzerland, has said farewell to the country, SonntagsBlick has reported.
Pitteloud also expects little change regarding Switzerland’s representation of US interests in Iran.
“Swiss diplomats in Washington and Tehran ensure at all times that messages are passed between the two governments as quickly as possible,” he explained.
There have been ups and downs between the two states for 40 years, he said. But both the US and Iran are facing power changes this year – “it’s a delicate time”.
More
More
What are Switzerland’s good offices good for?
This content was published on
As tensions and oil prices rise in the Middle East, the Swiss foreign ministry is offering its good offices. But what are they?
Legal changes coming into force in Switzerland on February 1
This content was published on
Preventive regulation of the wolf population, rules for the import of dog puppies and higher minimum wages in the hospitality industry. On February 1, changes to laws and ordinances as well as other innovations come into force in Switzerland. Here is an overview:
International hot air balloon festival claims the skies of canton Vaud
This content was published on
After a windy first day, the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) took off on Sunday. Dozens of hot-air balloons took to the skies over the Vaud Alps.
This content was published on
Switzerland is excluded by the US from the allied countries for unlimited access to chips required for artificial intelligence.
An award-winning documentary at the Solothurn Film Festival
This content was published on
Eleonora Camizzi's documentary "Bilder im Kopf" (Images in Mind) won the Prix Visioni at the Solothurn Film Festival on Saturday evening. The prize, worth 20,000 Swiss francs, is one of three major awards at the film festival.
Liberal Greens join launch of initiative on parental leave
This content was published on
The Liberal Greens (PVL) together with an alliance of representatives from economic, social and political circles are launching an initiative for an 18-week "family leave." This was decided today by delegates meeting in Thun (BE).
Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva
This content was published on
About 2,200 people took to the streets in Geneva today to show solidarity with the Palestinian poopolo and to denounce Swiss policy in the Middle East. The demonstration had been called by the BDS ("boycott, désinvestissement et sanctions") organization.
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes over Palexpo from Thursday
This content was published on
The 13th edition of Art Genève takes place at Palexpo from Thursday to Sunday. A total of 81 international modern and contemporary art galleries will be exhibiting their works. Also on show: 22 institutional projects.
First day of balloon festival in Château d’Oex cancelled
This content was published on
The first day of the International Balloon Festival in Château-d'Oex (VD) has been cancelled due to wind, organizers announced on Saturday. However, entertainment and captive flights will continue.
Swiss survey finds employee productivity rises with sense of belonging
This content was published on
A good team increases productivity. 81% of employees in Switzerland perform better when they feel a sense of community with their colleagues.
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
How a norm-breaking American presidency affected Switzerland
This content was published on
As Donald Trump leaves the White House, SWI swissinfo.ch assesses the impact of four tumultuous years on relations with Switzerland.
This content was published on
Switzerland’s incoming ambassador to the United States Jacques Pitteloud talks about his priorities and how he sees his post.
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.