Swiss President Ueli Maurer met with US President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss trade relations and Switzerland’s role as an intermediary between the US and Iran and Venezuela.
“President Trump expressed his gratitude for Switzerland’s role in facilitating international mediation and diplomatic relations on behalf of the United States,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.
At a press conference after the meeting, Maurer said that the meeting was a good conversation in a good atmosphere.
“The USA is seeking cooperation because it has been satisfied with our work in Iran so far,” said Maurer.
Last month Switzerland agreed to represent the interests of the United States in the South American country under a “good offices” agreement. Venezuela has not yet responded to the US request. The Alpine nation has been an intermediary between the US and Iran since 1980 after the cessation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
However, Maurer said that Iran and Venezuela were not the main subjects of the meeting. President Trump is open to discussion on a free trade agreement, Maurer said. Both countries were committed to reaching a deal faster than the European Union. The Swiss president acknowledged that a free trade agreement was a complex matter and that Switzerland was not at the top of the US list.
“But I sensed that that was what they wanted. I don’t think Mr Trump is concerned about details. But he is positive and I assume that his negotiators will notice that as well,” he said.
On how he found Trump as a person, Maurer told Swiss public television SRFExternal link that the US president had left a good impression, of being open, constructive and curious. “Rather different to what you hear about in the media, I thought,” Maurer said. “You can get along with him.”
Press react
Maurer’s trip was also a topic in the Swiss media on Friday. “Talks between Maurer and Trump are an encouraging political signal, but the path to an agreement is still a long one,” was the title of the Neuer Zürcher Zeitung’s opinion pieceExternal link.
It noted that the biggest sticking point in both countries was still agriculture. And wondered if the US really was that interested in a deal with “small Switzerland”.
Other newspapers focused on the visit itself. “He of all people. Ueli Maurer, who is not really known for his distinct flair for high diplomacy, is now standing in next to the most powerful man in the world…” is how the Tages-Anzeiger’s US correspondentExternal link started his report. Maurer was in the White House for 50 minutes, he wrote. But the fact that the meeting even took place was of significance, said the journalist.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
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.
Read more
More
Why did the Swiss president go to Washington?
This content was published on
Ueli Maurer met Donald Trump at the White House. These are some of the top foreign policy and trade issues affecting the US-Swiss relationship.
This content was published on
Swiss access to global markets will be a priority when President Schneider-Ammann has his first talk with US President-elect Trump.
Switzerland to represent US interests in Venezuela
This content was published on
Switzerland is to represent the interests of the United States in Venezuela, under a “good offices” agreement between the two countries.
Swiss ambassador summoned over arrest of Iranian TV journalist
This content was published on
Switzerland's ambassador to Iran has been summoned in Tehran following the arrest in the US of a journalist working for Iranian state-run Press TV,
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.