Ogi concludes visit to Britain

The Swiss president, Adolf Ogi (picture right), has concluded a two-day trip to Britain during which Switzerland's security policy took centre-stage.

The Swiss president, Adolf Ogi (pictured right), has concluded a two-day trip to Britain during which Switzerland’s security policy took centre-stage. Before flying back to Berne from London on Tuesday evening, Ogi said the trip had been a success, and that he was pleased with the warm welcome bestowed on him.

Ogi’s trip included talks with the Prince of Wales, the sports and culture minister, Chris Smith, and other politicians. However, the main focus was on security issues.

During talks with the Swiss president, the British defence minister, Geoff Hoon, and the Commonwealth’s foreign affairs minister, Keith Vaz, both praised Switzerland for its “security through co-operation” policy.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of his visit, Ogi said his country’s positions on security matters were looked upon highly abroad. He said the Swisscoy peacekeeping contingent in Kosovo was a case in point.

Ogi added that Switzerland intended to increase its co-operation in peace missions abroad, and that the government was fully in favour of arming Swiss soldiers in such operations.

swissinfo and agencies