Common, deep roots – Switzerland and Italy continue to engage in dialogue

The forum was established in 2013 to raise awareness of the reciprocal importance of Swiss-Italian relations and ties between the two countries, promoting networking opportunities for representatives from civil society, the economy, academia, culture and politics. The aim is to provide high-level stakeholders with a platform for keeping dialogue open and exploring specific opportunities for cooperation. The forum will be held for the 7th time in 2024. "In retrospect, all of the events held so far have been successful and the forum has proven an invaluable tool for taking our friendship forward," said Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA.

All the forum events have been held under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the FDFA, in collaboration with 'Limes – Rivista italiana di geopolitica', an Italian geopolitical magazine. The very first forum was held in Rome, followed by events in Bern (2014), Milan (2015), Lugano (2017) and Genoa (2019). The last event took place in October 2022 in Zurich. The intensive discussions and exchange of views at these events have improved mutual understanding and strengthened the deep ties that bind the two countries bilaterally.

The 2024 event, entitled 'Innovation for quality of life', will be hosted by the Canton of Ticino, a key actor in Swiss-Italian cross-border relations. Rapid technological progress achieved through innovation will have a major impact on health and many aspects of everyday life, including peace and international security. Mr Cassis remarked: "We need to develop joint solutions to democratise access to the benefits of science. Fast-tracking and addressing the issue of innovation in a bilateral and multilateral context is vitally important."

Promoting education, research and innovation is a key part of Switzerland's success and competitiveness internationally. Various favourable conditions – such as an outstanding level of education and high-quality research facilities – have enabled Switzerland to achieve this prominent position, but international cooperation, particularly in Europe, has also been a key factor. This cooperation is also part of the current negotiations being held between Switzerland and the European Union: programmes such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ are crucial to the success of Swiss science and research.

Switzerland and Italy do not just cooperate bilaterally, but also at international level where they are committed to common causes, in particular promoting just and lasting peace. The situation in terms of bilateral and international relations is constantly changing.

Frequent reciprocal visits have enabled constructive dialogue to be held. During Antonio Tajani's visit to Brissago, in the Canton of Ticino, last August, Italy and Switzerland invited any international actors interested to commit to achieving a joint negotiating position based on respect for international law and the principles of territorial integrity and independence of states enshrined under the Charter of the United Nations. This applies to both the Middle East and Ukraine. Italy will host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in 2025, the fourth in the series of events launched in Lugano in the Canton of Ticino. The conference represents a crucial commitment to the post-conflict period and to fostering hope in the future of Ukraine.