President Amherd to meet with Romanian heads of state and government

Press releases, 04.03.2024

Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation, will visit Romania on 6 and 7 March to meet with President Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Talks will focus on bilateral relations, with a particular emphasis on the second Swiss contribution, European policy and the security situation in Europe. Ms Amherd will also participate in the European People’s Party Congress in Bucharest.

Given its location on the Black Sea and shared borders with both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, Romania holds particular significance for current security policy. The Russian war against Ukraine and the regional security situation will therefore comprise central topics of discussion. Ms Amherd will also provide information on the next steps in Switzerland’s European policy.

In addition to meeting with President Iohannis and Prime Minister Ciolacu, in Bucharest Ms Amherd will also hold talks with Finance Minister Marcel Bolos, focused primarily on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. This forms a central element of the ties between the two countries and presents numerous opportunities to further expand existing cooperation.

The bilateral implementation agreement was signed in December 2022. It provides for a total contribution from Switzerland of CHF 221.5 million in support of Romanian projects to promote economic growth, improve public security, increase energy efficiency, and strengthen social systems and the engagement of civil society.

Switzerland and Romania enjoy excellent relations, with active and dynamic engagement at both political and economic levels. With trade volume of CHF 2.6 billion (2023), Romania is Switzerland’s largest trading partner in South-East Europe.

Ms Amherd will also use the European People’s Party Congress as an opportunity for talks with representatives of other European nations and institutions, including a meeting with Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova.


Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Romania


Address for enquiries:

DDPS Communications
+41 58 464 50 58
kommunikation@gs-vbs.admin.ch


Publisher:

Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports DDPS