Swiss minister arrives today

MANILA, Philippines — Switzerland’s top diplomat will arrive in the Philippines tomorrow, the first time that a Swiss foreign minister will visit the country since 2008, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will meet with Federal Councilor and Federal Department of Foreign Affairs chief Ignazio Cassis to discuss Philippines-Switzerland relations.

Manalo and Cassis will exchange views on multilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern.

The Federal Council said the agenda of the meeting included economic ties, Switzerland’s contribution to peacebuilding in the Philippines, cooperation on human rights and the geopolitical situation in the Asia-Pacific region.

During his one-day visit to Manila, Cassis will also meet with other officials of the Philippine government.

“The Philippines and Switzerland have been enjoying warm and friendly bilateral relations in the past 67 years,” the DFA said yesterday.

It said there are more than 15,000 Filipinos residing in Switzerland, including professionals in the information technology, engineering, and medical and allied health sectors.

The Federal Council announced Cassis’ travel to China, India, South Korea and the Philippines from Feb. 5 to 8, to meet with foreign ministers of these countries.

The meeting will focus on strengthening Switzerland’s ties in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asian economies have regained significantly over the past two years.

With its growing geopolitical importance, the Federal Council said the Asia-Pacific region is a priority in the new Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.

“It is in Switzerland’s interests to systematically foster and continuously expand relations with dynamic countries in the region.”

Manila is the last leg of Cassis’ travel. With a population of around 117 million, the Philippines is the second largest country in Southeast Asia.

“This is the first visit to Manila by a federal councillor since 2008. This will provide an opportunity to pursue both objectives,” the Federal Council said.