Islamabad To celebrate the National Day of Switzerland, the Charge d'Affaires, Robert Kull, hosted a reception at the ambassador’s residence. The Swiss National Day celebrations are only meant for Swiss nationals and those living in and around Islamabad were present. The two exceptions were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina Rodolfo Martin Saravia and the Ambassador of Cuba Jesus Zenin Buergo Concepcion and his wife Dulce, since Switzerland played a major role in ending the hostile relations between US and Cuba which have resulted in reconciliation after 56 years. A homely but festive atmosphere had been created for the small number of guests which included children of all ages. The outdoor space of the residence was decorated with balloons and other items in red and white, the colours of the Swiss flag. Food stations were also laid out here with a delicious variety of cuisine, including the Swiss national specialties, Fondue and Raclette which is just pure melted/grilled cheese, poured in small portions over steamed potatoes; spiced with black and red pepper and served with pickled pearl onions and cucumber. Inside there were tables for those who like to sit and eat and it was during dinner that the ice was broken and guests relaxed, interacting with each other, making for a pleasant evening. Addressing the gathering the host welcomed them and said a few words about the celebrations and the history behind them. A message from the ambassador was also given out in which he spoke of the excellent bilateral relations between his country and Pakistan; the main pillars of the Swiss foreign policy which are the promotion of peace and security, strengthening of international law in general and human rights in particular, environmental sustainability and active neutrality and last but not least the booming Swiss economy. President Simonetta Sommaruga's recorded speech to the Swiss living abroad was played in which she said today we all live in a globalised world and Swiss living abroad know well the meaning of globalisation. “Some of you will say: Switzerland is and remains my home. Others might say: ‘I have two homes -- the country in which I live and my country of origin, Switzerland’. What is clear is that everyone needs a home. And by that I mean a feeling of having roots, having an identity. In Switzerland, there is currently a heated debate about this identity. Some people claim Switzerland stands for independence, sovereignty and going it alone in Europe. For others, Switzerland is -- and always has been an open country connected to the rest of the world through clever alliances.” Globalisation means change, and changes always raise questions and launch debates. However, one aspect on which almost all Swiss agree: our direct democracy is a unique political system and we identify with it. I am proud to be president of a country whose citizens have the most political power and responsibility. Direct democracy is a courageous system -- and that is one of the reasons why it fascinates me. She gave figures about recent voting on different issues and said only a quarter of Swiss who live abroad are registered to vote in Switzerland. “It would make me happy to see this figure increase over the coming weeks. Federal elections will be held in October. If you haven't already registered, you can do so in your embassy until mid-August.” She then gave information about the process and concluded with expressing warmest greetings from the cabinet and wishing 'a wonderful August the 1st -- wherever you are in the world.' Since 1891, the first of August has been celebrated as Swiss National Day. The date refers to a historic alliance concluded in 1291 by the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. This alliance was to become the focal point around which the Switzerland of today was built over the next 500 years. Men from these three cantons at the beginning of the month of August 1291 swore eternal allegiance to one another, promising mutual help and assistance.
