During the talks with his counterpart, Mr Cassis emphasised the close, wide-ranging relations the two countries enjoy. These are characterised by their membership of the same Bretton Woods voting group, the regional cooperation programme and the restitution of assets confiscated in Switzerland as part of criminal proceedings in connection with Gulnara Karimova. Bilateral economic relations and Mr Cassis' participation in the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand in November 2025 were also discussed.

Uzbekistan is a priority country for Switzerland's international cooperation. Switzerland supports Uzbekistan in its economic, social and democratic development and in promoting good governance. It is also pursuing an integrated and regional approach to cross-border water management. The situation in Afghanistan, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and progress on the 20-point peace plan were also discussed.

Mr Cassis went on to talk about the priorities for the 2026 Swiss chairpersonship of the OSCE, underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation in view of the current security situation in Europe. To this end, Switzerland will work to preserve and strengthen the OSCE as an inclusive platform for dialogue.

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Uzbekistan

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