President Amherd emphasised the major contribution to Swiss society and to the country’s economic prosperity made by the approximately 260,000 Portuguese nationals living in Switzerland. The Portuguese community in Switzerland and the roughly 7,300 Swiss nationals living in Portugal play a significant role in promoting friendly relations between the two countries.

Economic relations are also continuing to develop positively. The fields of renewable energies and IT were mentioned as areas in which exchanges could be further intensified. With regard to cooperation in research, Ms Amherd reaffirmed Switzerland’s goal of obtaining full association status with the EU’s Horizon programme at the earliest opportunity.

On the subject of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU, Ms Amherd set out the state of negotiations, which are currently in the final phase, saying that momentum remains positive. Reference was also made to the European Political Community, whose last meeting took place in November. Switzerland considers it to be a valuable forum for dialogue in Europe.

The war in Ukraine was the main topic of discussion when the two sides exchanged views on the security situation. They reaffirmed their solidarity with the country that has been attacked by Russia. President Amherd thanked President Rebelo de Sousa for taking part in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock and emphasised Switzerland's continued commitment to a just and lasting peace and to reconstruction.

The situation in the Middle East and the latest developments since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were also discussed, as were multilateralism, the UN under the leadership of Portuguese Secretary-General António Guterres, and Switzerland's experiences as a member of the Security Council for the period 2023-2024.

President Amherd's programme also includes a visit to parliament and a reception hosted by the city of Lisbon. Portugal invited President Amherd to pay a state visit after President Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Montenegro visited Switzerland in June.

Switzerland and Portugal reaffirm their excellent relations