PH, Switzerland Conduct 9th Political Consultations; Bilateral Cooperation Post-Covid-19 Explored
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor B. Ledda (top left) and Head of Asia Pacific Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Raphael Nageli (bottom left) are joined by Swiss Ambassador Alain Gaschen (top right) and Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Dennis Yap Lepatan (bottom right) during the 9th Round of Philippines-Switzerland Political Consultations held virtually on 20 September 2021. (DFA-OEA photo)
PASAY CITY 22 September 2021—The Philippines and Switzerland renewed their commitment to pursue stronger political, economic and people-to-people cooperation during the 9th Philippines-Switzerland Political Consultations on 20 September 2021.
The Philippine delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Victor B. Ledda while the Swiss side was headed by Mr. Raphael Nageli, Head of the Asia Pacific Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. They were joined by Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Denis Yap Lepatan, and Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Alain Gaschen. Officials from the Embassies of the two countries in Bern and Manila, the PH Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also formed part of the respective country delegations.
The two sides discussed continuing bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the context of the global recovery from COVID-19. Both sides also reaffirmed their shared commitment to human rights and international law as they agreed to explore further cooperation in Technical Vocational Education and Training , the peace process in Mindanao, and other areas of mutual interest.
To commemorate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022, the two parties agreed to work together to develop and undertake joint activities in the Philippines and in Switzerland. END
The Philippine and Swiss delegations pose for a photo at the conclusion of the 9th Round of Political Consultations held virtually on 20 September 2021. (DFA-OEA photo)