Mr Burkhalter also briefed Mr Vella on recent developments in Swiss-EU relations, in particular with regard to the freedom of movement of persons and the negotiation of an institutional agreement to maintain and develop bilateral relations between Switzerland and the EU. The two ministers also reviewed the situation in the various countries in the region, in particular the migration issue. Malta will assume the presidency of the European Union from 1 January 2017.
After Malta, Mr Burkhalter will travel to Slovakia on Wednesday afternoon to meet with Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák. Swiss-EU relations will also be the focus of the talks in Bratislava as Slovakia will take over the presidency of the EU in the second half of this year.
Further information:
Address by the Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC) in Valetta
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Malta
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Slovakia
Address for enquiries:
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CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
