Dear Visitor,
A warm welcome to the webpage of the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt! Let me introduce you to the work of our Swiss representation.
It is a privilege to represent Switzerland in the historically and culturally rich context offered by Egypt. The year I arrived in Egypt marked the 90th anniversary of the 1934 Friendship Treaty between Switzerland and Egypt. Two decades later, the opening of the Embassy in Cairo was only one of many milestones marking a fruitful and prosperous relation between our two countries and peoples. Today, we continue to translate this historic foundation into concrete cooperation: through high-level political dialogue, dynamic economic engagement, including strengthened public–private partnerships and an active cultural and scientific exchange. Recent bilateral initiatives and institutional platforms further demonstrate the vitality and strategic relevance of Swiss–Egyptian relations in a changing regional and global context. I look forward to continuing this legacy and further strengthening the ties between our two nations.
At the political level, relations between Switzerland and Egypt cover a wide area of topics, which are regularly addressed in political consultations and during visits at ministerial or technical levels. Our two countries have a mutual interest in peace promotion, conflict prevention, sustainable economic development, social cohesion, in managing migration as well as tackling climate change.
Economically, Egypt is Switzerland’s largest export market in Africa and its fourth most important bilateral trading partner in the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region. Swiss-Egyptian economic connections date back further than the opening of the Embassy. The first Swiss trade representation in Egypt was established in 1909. A relationship of more than a century is a testament to the proximity of our two countries and economies. There are around 100 Swiss companies and affiliates established in Egypt, with whom we closely interact, namely through SwissCham Egypt.
Switzerland has strong cultural exchanges with Egypt, covering the fields of music, theater, plastic arts, cinema and archeology. The Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia maintains a liaison office in the Embassy. It supports and disseminates Swiss arts and culture and promotes cultural outreach in the Arab region. Egyptology is another important area of collaboration. Several Swiss universities are actively involved in archaeological missions in Egypt. Since 1949, the Swiss Archeological Institute in Zamalek has been playing a key role in the study of ancient Egyptian architecture. Switzerland and Egypt share the common goal of preserving cultural heritage and fighting against its illicit trade. Both countries are parties to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Since 2011, Switzerland has returned over 70 objects to Egypt.
Egypt plays a critical role for peace and stability in the region. The current Cooperation Programme 2025–2028 reaffirms Switzerland’s long-term commitment to Egypt and reflects more than 45 years of bilateral development partnership. The programme is structured around three strategic outcomes: (1) inclusive and accountable governance that strengthens institutional performance and civic participation; (2) sustainable economic development that fosters job creation, private-sector competitiveness and green growth; and (3) protection and resilience for vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees, with a strong emphasis on social cohesion and climate-responsive solutions. It is implemented through a Whole-of-Government approach, bringing together Switzerland’s expertise across development, economic cooperation, migration and humanitarian engagement.
Among the important tasks of the Embassy are the services provided through the consular and visa sections. You will find all information pertaining to these matters on this webpage. You will also find the contact details of the Swiss Honorary Consulate in El Gouna. The Embassy is in contact with the approx. 1,500 members of the Swiss community residing in Egypt. I am also glad to see that more and more Swiss tourists are visiting this beautiful country with its unique cultural heritage.
In addition, I am currently serving as Chargé d’Affaires for Sudan, following the temporary closure of the Embassy of Switzerland in Khartoum due to the ongoing conflict.
Switzerland is engaged in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts in Sudan. It has allocated additional humanitarian funding, not only for partner organizations in Sudan but also for neighboring countries, including Egypt, where we are supporting both refugees and host communities. Furthermore, we have established a cooperation office for Sudan within the Embassy in Cairo.
Regarding consular services, the Embassy of Switzerland in Nairobi (Kenya) remains responsible for assisting applicants from Eritrea and Sudan, a role it has undertaken since the closure of the Embassy in Khartoum following the outbreak of conflict.
Dear visitor, I invite you to visit our Embassy’s social media platforms (Facebook and X) to obtain more information about our activities and plenty of other topics. I hope that this webpage provides you with the information you need. Do not hesitate to contact the Embassy and send us your questions, comments and suggestions. Thank you very much for your interest and for your visit.
With warm regards,
Dr. Andreas Baum
Ambassador of Switzerland to Egypt
