During the talks, both sides emphasised the close political, economic and cultural ties between Switzerland and Italy: around 335,000 Italians live in Switzerland and 52,000 Swiss in Italy, trade between the countries amounts to EUR 1 billion per week, and the border regions are becoming shared living spaces.

Discussions on Friday focused in particular on cooperation in the areas of transport and migration policy. The aim of both sides is to strengthen passenger and freight transport by rail and to shift more traffic to the railway. The urgent renovation of the Great Saint Bernard road tunnel was also on the agenda.

In the area of migration policy, the two sides discussed pan-European challenges and solutions, the obligations of states under the Dublin Regulation and the negotiated bilateral implementation agreement on the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. This is part of Switzerland’s EU policy and aims, among other things, to strengthen European migration management, for example in Italy, where accommodation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors will be expanded.

With regard to European policy, President Amherd explained the ongoing negotiations with the EU in order to stabilise and further develop close relations for the benefit of Switzerland, the EU and its member states. Another topic was the Council of Europe, of which Italy was one of the founding members 75 years ago, on 5 May 1949. Switzerland joined the organisation, which is committed to democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe, in 1963. The challenges facing the continent, in particular the war in Ukraine, were also a focal point of the discussions. Ms Amherd informed Mr Mattarella and Ms Meloni about the next steps in the preparations for the high-level conference on peace in Ukraine and extended an invitation to the conference to Prime Minister Meloni.

In return, the Italian side briefed Ms Amherd on the objectives of its G7 presidency. Other international topics included the perspectives and opportunities in relations with African countries and the situation in the Middle East.

Visit to the Holy See and the Swiss Guard

President Amherd will visit the Holy See at the weekend and on Monday. There she will hold talks with Pope Francis and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and attend the swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard on Monday, 6 May, which is the traditional date on which the 147 soldiers who died during the Sack of Rome in 1527 are remembered.

Her visit to Rome will also include a meeting with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on the following day.

President Amherd meets with Italy’s President Mattarella and Prime Minister Meloni in Rome