Islamabad, 1 August 2022 (TDI): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan wished the Swiss government and people on the occasion of the 731st National Day of Switzerland in a tweet.

Swiss National Day

The Swiss Federation celebrates the first day of August as an official independence day. This day commemorates the founding of the Swiss confederation in 1291.

Additionally, it reflects the historic alliance of three states signing a federal charter. According to the charter, today’s federation was built for the next 500 years. Moreover, the Swiss people celebrate their national day enthusiastically.

The illumination of the Rhine Falls, bonfires and the display of spectacular fireworks depicts the special festivities of this day. Moreover, the carousing is staged right at that place where the alliance was manifested and declared.

Pak-Swiss Relations

Pakistan and Switzerland share close bilateral and cooperative relations. They established diplomatic relations in 1949. For Pakistan, Switzerland plays the role of a significant developmental partner.

Both parties have signed numerous bilateral agreements, including investment protection, aviation, disaster consolidation, debt relief, etc. In 1966, they signed an agreement on technical cooperation. Later on, it was supplemented by a disaster relief agreement in 1975.

The 10th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Berne on 26-27 February 2018. Ambassador Zaheer A. Janjua, Additional Secretary (Europe), led the Pakistan delegation, while Ambassador Johannes Matyassy presented the Swiss side.

Moreover, During the Covid-19 pandemic, Switzerland continued its support to Pakistan. In July 2020, the Swiss Embassy in Pakistan donated 2,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) suits to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).

Apart from this, Pakistan and Switzerland maintain strong trade relations. Bilateral trade between both countries crossed US$ 500 million in 2017. While in 2019, Swiss exports to Pakistan accounted for around 373.7 CHF.

Also, this year the Swiss Embassy, in collaboration with the Pakistani Government, is planning to introduce Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA). It aims to invest in innovations for addressing global challenges in the future.