Switzerland strengthens ties with Iran

Press releases, 16.06.2016

A high-level delegation of representatives from Iran's ministries of justice and foreign affairs is in Switzerland today and tomorrow. The focus of the visit is on the implementation of the road map to strengthen ties between the two countries which was signed on 27 February 2016 by President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, and President Hassan Rouhani. Political issues, human rights, regional security and the judiciary were discussed in four negotiating formats, some of which were held in parallel. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. ©

The political consultations were led by FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. They consisted of a bilateral element, mainly taking stock of the ongoing implementation of the road map, and multilateral topics as well as regional security. Both delegations talked in particular about the current crisis points in the Middle East. The talks allowed members of the delegations to speak openly about priority issues for Switzerland, such as human rights, with both sides able to discuss and offer constructive criticism. FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier also held consultations on human rights.

The Federal Office of Justice led a first round of dialogue on judicial matters and an exchange on the Swiss judicial system with representatives of the Bernese cantonal court of appeal and the Office of the Chief Public Prosecutor of the Canton of Bern taking part. Tomorrow's discussion will centre on the prison system and will be followed by a visit to the regional prison in Burgdorf by both the Swiss and Iranian delegations.


Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland – Iran


Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch


Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs