Switzerland and the United Kingdom want to strengthen cooperation on European security. Swiss Defence Minister Viola Amherd and UK Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace signed a declaration of intent in London on Thursday.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
The two officials held talks on Thursday on security in Europe, the consequences of the war in Ukraine and various ways Switzerland and the UK can increase cooperation on security matters.
The non-binding declaration of intent, aimed at formalising future security talks, outlines areas of potential cooperation between the two countries, such as military training and the technology sector.
“The war in Ukraine will have long-term consequences for security in Europe and beyond. The Federal Council is therefore seeking to increase international cooperation in Swiss security and defence policy more systematically, while maintaining the principle of neutrality,” the defence ministry saidExternal link in a statement.
This strategy was outlined in a 2021 security report approved by the Swiss government in 2022.
The two defence ministers also discussed peacebuilding and the United Nations Security Council. In May, Switzerland will hold the presidency of the Security Council as a non-permanent member.
The security partnership talks come amid a series of cooperation agreements signed between Britain and Switzerland, both now non-EU members, over the past 12 months. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson inked an accord in April to strengthen mutual cooperation in trade, finance, research and immigration.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights
This content was published on
Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.
Accidents up sharply among older skiers in Switzerland
This content was published on
People over the age of 40 account for more than half of all ski injuries in Switzerland, a new study by insurance firm Suva shows.
Switzerland proposes strengthening rights of people with disabilities
This content was published on
The Swiss government is proposing a package of new legislative measures to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
This content was published on
The Swiss artist Kurt Laurenz Metzler, known for his colorful sculptures made of fiberglass and polyester, has died in Zurich at the age of 83.
Historic Swiss bathhouse on Lake Constance destroyed in a fire
This content was published on
In the northern Swiss town of Rorschach, the 100-year-old Badhütte (bathing hut) on the shores of Lake Constance burned down early Monday morning.
Trump picks Callista Gingrich as ambassador to Switzerland
This content was published on
Incoming United States president Donald Trump has named Callista Gingrich as the next ambassador to Switzerland. Gingrich was posted to the Vatican under Trump's previous term.
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
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
Swiss announce next steps for talks with EU
This content was published on
The Swiss government says it wants to finalise a mandate for a resumption of negotiations with the EU over the next three months.
Swexit and Brexit: The UK and Switzerland’s fall outs with the EU
This content was published on
What do Brexit and the Swiss breakdown in relations with the EU have in common? According to a Swiss social historian, quite a lot.
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.