President Trump sends wishes to Swiss people for national day
Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved
The American President Donald J. Trump has sent his congratulations to Switzerland ahead of the national day celebrations on August 1.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ac
“While you reflect on the proud history, prosperity, and success of the Swiss Confederation, please know that the United States greatly values your friendship and steadfast commitment to our common interests,” he stated in a message published on the American embassy’s websiteExternal link.
He said that America values its partnership with Switzerland in promoting the shared ideals of economic freedom and democracy. Harking back to the Swiss President Ueli Maurer’s visit to the White House in May, Trump called for further deepening of economic relations between the two countries.
Both states want to conclude a free trade agreement, but the biggest hurdle remains the agriculture sector, which both sides want to protect.
Switzerland is also a useful American ally in keeping the lines of communication open with problematic countries. In April, for example, Switzerland agreed to represent the interests of the United States in Venezuela under a “good offices” agreement. The South American country has not yet responded to the request. The Alpine nation has also acted as an intermediary between the US and Iran since 1980 after the cessation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
More
More
Trump discusses economic relations and ‘good offices’ with Swiss president
This content was published on
Ueli Maurer’s 40-minute meeting with US President Trump concerned Switzerland’s intermediary role between the US and Iran and Venezuela.
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?
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Pope was a person full of respect: Swiss president
This content was published on
Swiss president Karin Keller-Sutter, who is attending the funeral of Pope Francis, says the pontiff was always full of respect.
Ex-sect member sentenced in Zurich for sexual abuse
This content was published on
Zurich District Court has sentenced a former member of the globally active sect "Children of God" to a partial prison sentence.
SNB chairman does not rule out slowdown in Swiss growth
This content was published on
Martin Schlegel, chairman of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), does not rule out a weakening of the Swiss economy in light of the tariff dispute.
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
Opinion
More
Why the flurry of activity in US-Swiss relations?
This content was published on
Switzerland is suddenly featuring front and centre on the United States’ diplomatic radar. There are several possible explanations.
US secretary of state on closer relations with Switzerland
This content was published on
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has offered insight into Swiss-American relations — and why they have become remarkably closer.
This content was published on
The Federal Department of FinanceExternal link has signed a “legally non-binding” memorandum of understanding with the US Department of Homeland SecurityExternal link to allow customs officials to deepen contacts and enhance cooperation, it was announced on Monday. “This memorandum of understanding provides a cooperation in customs matters with the main objective of facilitating trade while…
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.