Bern, 27 July 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador of Pakistan to Switzerland, Aamir Shouket, had a meeting with Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg, Assistant Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland (FDFA).
Had a very productive meeting with Ambassador Heinrich Schellenberg Assistant Secretary of State @SwissMFAasia at #FDFA. Relations bw 🇨🇭 & 🇵🇰 are strong and continue to grow further @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/9Wy9z4zday
— Aamir Shouket🇵🇰🇨🇭🇱🇮🇻🇦 (@aamirshouket) July 26, 2022
The topic of discussion was the relationship between Pakistan and Switzerland. Ambassador Aamir Shouket said that the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Switzerland are strong and will continue to grow.
Asia and Pacific Division at FDFA
The Asia and Pacific Division is responsible for coordinating the policies of Switzerland toward the 39 countries in this region. It also collaborates with all units within the FDFA and Federal Administration.
In addition, it identifies the interests of Switzerland in the region based on the FDFA’s foreign policy strategy and the Federal Constitution’s five foreign policy objectives. The division also maps Switzerland’s risks and opportunities in this region.
The Asia-Pacific region is becoming increasingly important to Switzerland. Exchanges with these countries are growing not only economically but also in political, social, and human dimensions.
Furthermore, the priorities of Switzerland in this context are to maintain peace and security, sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and prosperity.
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Pakistan
Switzerland and Pakistan have a long history of good relations. In addition, numerous economic treaties support the growth of bilateral trade.
Switzerland and Pakistan have signed a slew of bilateral treaties in a variety of fields. These fields include investment, protection, debt consolidation, air transport, double taxation, and disaster relief.
The trade volume has increased between Pakistan and Switzerland. Switzerland’s exports to Pakistan have increased at an annualized rate of 3.23 percent over the last 25 years, from $202 million in 1995 to $446 million in 2020.
Moreover, Pakistan’s exports to Switzerland have increased at an annualized rate of 7.53 percent over the last 25 years, from $33.5 million in 1995 to $206 million in 2020.
The Swiss government is currently providing scholarships to Ph.D. students to promote education diplomacy between Pakistan and Switzerland.
