Swiss President Guy Parmelin reaffirmed his country’s support for Saudi Arabia in what he described as difficult circumstances, and stressed the need to press ahead with efforts to reach a diplomatic solution between Washington and Tehran through negotiations, to safeguard regional peace and stability.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Parmelin said the region’s security situation topped the agenda. He expressed Switzerland’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wisdom and restraint, and conveyed Swiss support.
He said both sides agreed on the need to back all efforts to secure a negotiated diplomatic solution in the interest of regional stability.
"The visit to Saudi Arabia on 22 and 23 April marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries and aimed at further strengthening our bilateral ties at both the political and economic levels. In Jeddah, I was accompanied by HE State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda and a high-level business delegation representing key Swiss industries."
Deepening strategic cooperation
Parmelin said talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Saudi Prime Minister, focused on strengthening economic ties amid global uncertainty.
He said both sides explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors, including logistics, commodities, financial services, and insurance, where both countries have strong expertise.
"A key element of the visit was the economic roundtable I co-chaired with HE Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif, Minister of Investment, which brought together leading representatives from government and business on both sides. It was a valuable opportunity to identify concrete areas for enhanced cooperation and strengthen links between Swiss and Saudi companies," he added.
Parmelin said the signing of a new bilateral investment protection agreement with the Saudi investment minister was a main outcome of the visit.
"I was particularly honored by the presence of HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the signing ceremony, which underlined its importance. The agreement enhances legal certainty for investors and strengthens the conditions for bilateral economic engagement."
Saudi-Swiss relations
Parmelin said relations between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia are close, longstanding, and span more than 70 years, describing them as strong and steadily evolving.
He said the partnership is built on mutual respect, regular dialogue, and growing economic ties, underpinned by a shared interest in stability, open markets, and rules-based international cooperation.
"Economic cooperation is at the core of our bilateral relations. Switzerland is a significant trading partner for Saudi Arabia, and about 200 Swiss companies are actively engaged in the Kingdom across pharmaceuticals, machinery, engineering, technology, commodities, logistics, financial services and insurance."
Parmelin affirmed that Switzerland sees significant opportunities tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, saying: "We also see growing opportunities linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda. Swiss expertise in hospitality, research and innovation, sustainable infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and vocational education and training has much to contribute here. On the institutional side, we advance our shared agenda through a yearly Joint Economic Commission, a Bilateral Financial Dialogue, and Political Consultations."
At the institutional level, he said both countries are advancing their shared agenda through a yearly Joint Economic Commission, a Bilateral Financial Dialogue, and Political Consultations.
"Beyond economic ties, we maintain constructive political exchanges and cooperate in multilateral settings. Saudi-Swiss relations are broad-based and forward-looking, with real scope to deepen collaboration in both established and emerging sectors."
