04 December 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Joselito A. Jimeno called on Mayor Alexander Tschâppât of the City of Berne on December 03. Ambassador Jimeno briefed Mayor Tschâppât on developments in Philippine-Swiss relations, including the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and EFTA countries, which include Switzerland. He said that he looks forward to seeing more active and frequent business exchanges between the Philippines and Switzerland once the PHL-EFTA FTA is signed.

Ambassador Jimeno also updated the Mayor on the recent developments on security in the Asian region, particularly the West Philippine Sea issue.

For his part, Mayor Tschâppât shared his thoughts on current security issues in Europe, particularly the growing threat of terrorism, concerns about migration and refugees’ integration, and the increasing support across Europe for conservative parties with populist agenda.

Mayor Tschâppât commented that the City of Berne has not had any problems with Philippine nationals living in the City as they are well integrated into Swiss society. 

The two officials also exchanged views on Swiss politics and the forthcoming elections of the members of the Federal Council. END