The Australian government has officially re-opened its embassy in the Swiss capital, Bern, after a 30-year break. It is part of efforts by both countries to forge closer ties, particularly at the economic level.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/sb
Português
pt
Reabertura de embaixada australiana na Suíça marca um “marco”
The re-opening of the Australian embassy in Bern on Friday “marks a significant milestone in Australia’s relationship with Switzerland and demonstrates the importance we place on deepening our engagement with the Swiss government and people”, the Australian government said in a statementExternal link on Friday.
The Australian embassy in Bern was closed down in 1992 for cost reasons. Since then, Switzerland has been represented by the embassy in the German capital Berlin. Australia also has a Consulate-General in GenevaExternal link.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said: “Our partnership with Switzerland dates back over 60 years, and the opening of the Bern embassy is a testament to our enduring relationship and close cooperation.”
More
More
Alps and Aussies: secrets of a long-lasting, long-distance relationship
This content was published on
The links between Switzerland and Australia go back centuries. Now the pair is moving even closer together.
On Friday, Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin held talks with Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, on issues ranging from bilateral economic relations, cooperation within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to potential areas of cooperation in the cleantech sector.
Australia, the world’s twelfth largest economy, is an important business partner for the Alpine country. Bilateral trade reached CHF3.7 billion ($3.9 billion) in 2021. According to Australian statistics, Switzerland is the eleventh largest investor in Australia. Over 250 Swiss companies in Australia had invested CHF10.1 billion in the country up to the end of 2020.
Switzerland exports watches, pharmaceuticals and precision technology to Australia, whereas Australia exports gold, medicines, meat and silver to Switzerland.
“Because of its strong demand for innovative products and services, and with investments being made in its infrastructure, the Australian market offers considerable potential for Swiss businesses and the Swiss scientific community,” the Swiss government said in a separate statementExternal link on Friday.
In normal times, more than 40,000 Swiss tourists travel to Australia a year.
More
More
Australia to reopen embassy in Switzerland
This content was published on
Australia will reopen its embassy in the Swiss capital Bern in 2022 after a 30-year break, the two countries have announced.
Swiss government adopts three-pronged approach to end violence against women
This content was published on
Over the next few years, the federal government intends to take action against gender-based violence in three main areas.
Uri voters clear path for hotel and marina complex in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Voters in canton Uri in central Switzerland have rejected a Green Party initiative aimed at regulating the development of the lakeside site in Isleten.
Valais voters reject plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040
This content was published on
Voters in canton Valais in southern Switzerland have turned down a proposal for the region to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
This content was published on
Australia will reopen its embassy in the Swiss capital Bern in 2022 after a 30-year break, the two countries have announced.
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.