07 September 2015 – After serving for five years, Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Ivo Sieber made his farewell call on Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario on September 02. During his call, Ambassador Sieber expressed immense satisfaction for his fruitful stay in the country. He cited great economic and political gains made by the Philippines under the present administration, and recalled the excellent cooperation between the Philippine and Switzerland, particularly in the areas of asset recovery, human rights, and disaster risk reduction and management.
Secretary Del Rosario thanked Ambassador Sieber for a great job in improving relations between the Philippines and Switzerland which saw bilateral trade rise to US$577 million and Switzerland taking a prominent role in the Bangsamoro Peace Process through its chairmanship of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission. He conveyed optimism on the prospects of Philippines – Switzerland bilateral trade, which could be further augmented by the conclusion of the Philippines – EFTA negotiations and the re-negotiation of the Philippines – Switzerland Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation. Secretary Del Rosario added that the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland is partly due to the distinctive diplomatic style of Ambassador Sieber.
The two countries will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of official relations soon, although Swiss presence in the country has been continuous since the 19th century.
A lawyer by profession, Ambassador Sieber is married to a Filipina, Ms. Gracita Tolentino. He will depart the Philippines on September 11 to assume his post as the Swiss Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. END