Swiss minister moots updated Japan-Switzerland free trade agreement
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida greets Defence Minister Viola Amherd, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, before their meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan, August 7, 2024. According to the Swiss foreign ministry, Japan is Switzerland's third most important trading partner in Asia.
EPA/ Yuichi Yamazaki / Pool
Select your language
Generated with artificial intelligence.
Listening: Swiss minister moots updated Japan-Switzerland free trade agreement
During her visit to Japan on Wednesday, Defence Minister Viola Amherd, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, reiterated Switzerland's desire to modernise the free trade agreement between the two countries. Despite excellent trade relations, there is a lack of dynamism in the trade of goods.
Japan is Switzerland’s third most important trading partner in Asia. In her talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Amherd discussed updating the 2009 free trade agreement, as well as prospects in energy and sustainability.
They also discussed the World Expo in Osaka 2025, where the Swiss pavilion will focus on life sciences, environmental protection, and artificial intelligence, as announced by the Swiss defence ministry.
In an international context, discussions centred on the global security architecture. Amherd thanked Japan for its commitment to the Ukraine peace conference at Bürgenstock in canton Nidwalden.
The situation in North and South Korea was also discussed. Switzerland is a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, which has been monitoring the ceasefire agreement since 1953.
Both parties celebrated the friendly relationship between Switzerland and Japan on the 160th anniversary of their bilateral relations. Amherd’s programme also included a meeting with Japan’s Defence Minister Minoru Kihara. A reception by Emperor Naruhito is planned for Thursday.
Adapted from German by DeepL/amva
This news story has been written and carefully fact-checked by an external editorial team. At SWI swissinfo.ch we select the most relevant news for an international audience and use automatic translation tools such as DeepL to translate it into English. Providing you with automatically translated news gives us the time to write more in-depth articles.
If you want to know more about how we work, have a look here, if you want to learn more about how we use technology, click here, and if you have feedback on this news story please write to english@swissinfo.ch.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
How centuries of Swiss emigrants left their mark on the US
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Bodycams: essential for good law enforcement, or a privacy risk?
Did you ever come across bodycams in your place of residence and if so, how do you think the use of bodycams alter the relationship between the public and (transport) police?
Swiss government pensions come under pressure in parliament
This content was published on
A parliamentary committee is favour of scrapping the generous pensions enjoyed by former government ministers and federal judges.
This content was published on
Appointed in April as the EU's incoming ambassador, Slovak man Miroslav Lajčák will ultimately not take up the post in Bern this year.
SNB boss: as a leading financial hub, Swiss must accept risks
This content was published on
The outgoing head of the Swiss National Bank, Thomas Jordan, says the country should aim to preserve its leading financial position.
Top Swiss court rules against prostitution exclusion zone
This content was published on
The Federal Court ruled that a Swiss town went too far in banning prostitution within a 100-metre radius of certain sensitive locations.
First UN fact-finding report on Sudan released in Geneva
This content was published on
Numerous acts amounting to crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed in Sudan, according to UN investigators.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.