National Day of Switzerland celebrated

Islamabad

To celebrate the National Day of Switzerland - which this year was the 725th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation - Ambassador Marc George hosted a reception at his residence. The event was attended by the Swiss community living in Islamabad; representatives of the Swiss business community in Pakistan; a few ambassadors of countries that are neighbours of Switzerland and some close friends of the host.

A festive atmosphere had been created with lights; flags and bunting in red and white. It was a very humid evening so the house was also open for those who wanted to enjoy a cool environment. Folk music of Switzerland played in the background and dinner was served with a variety of dishes for the guests to choose from, including the popular cheese specialty ‘recklette.’

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador George welcomed them, mentioning the presence of their Honorary Consul in Lahore, Suleman Khan and his wife, who have been looking after Swiss interests for 25 years. He went on to say the celebration is an opportunity to reaffirm the cohesion of Swiss regions, languages and culture. “Our Swiss compatriots lend their voice and values, coupled with hard work, to promote Swiss presence abroad,” he said. “Switzerland takes pride in its pluralist, democratic and federalist culture; it is a living expression of openness to the world at large. The contribution of the Swiss community abroad is enormous and reinforces Switzerland’s global presence.”

He then ‘reminded’ of a few pertinent facts about the history of the Swiss federation; the first Swiss pact was grafted in1291; Switzerland became a neutral entity and requested recognition of this neutrality in 1515 - an aspect that has shaped its institutions, identity and political approach, with a foreign policy that strongly advocates the upholding of human and minority rights. “”Neutral does not mean silent,” he said. “It means being an active member of the international community in line with the world order and refusing to take part in conflicts. This calls for a vibrant economy and Switzerland has one.”

Speaking about bilateral relations, he added that Pakistan and Switzerland enjoy exceptional relations. The two countries are not only united by a series of bilateral agreements but also engage in regular political dialogues at the highest level. This year, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will celebrate its 50 years of presence in Pakistan.

After this the English version of the Swiss president, Johann Schneider-Amman was relayed in which he said that the country is ‘proud of its citizens, near and far’ and is tightening relations between all of them through e-voting and a new online platform launching in October.

He recalled one of this year’s highlights so far: the June 1 official opening of the 57-kilometre Gotthard Tunnel through the Alps, now the longest rail tunnel in the world. “We’re proud of this monumental project that brings northern and southern Europe closer together,” he said, adding a few more Swiss achievements and concluded by urging his countrymen to celebrate with friends, family and community in traditional Swiss style.