Swiss President stresses role of science in diplomacy during Japan visit
Switzerland and Japan have agreed closer cooperation on research during the visit of President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to the east Asian country.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
Español
es
La ciencia ocupó un lugar destacado en la visita a Japón del presidente suizo
The agreement on joint scientific research projects was signed during a three-day presidential visit to Japan that ended on Thursday. Cassis was also accompanied by representatives from Swiss business and academia.
He gave a speech at Kyoto University about the role of science and diplomacy, according to a Swiss foreign ministryExternal link statement on Thursday.
“The international community must be able to harness potential developments in scientific research and take the best possible decisions on behalf of all human beings around the world,” he is quoted as saying.
Cassis also visited the city of Osaka and took part in a ceremony for the planned construction of a new Swiss consulate in the Kansai economic region.
The Swiss delegation met organisers of the World Expo in Osaka due to open in autumn 2025.
Politics and trade
In talks with the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Cassis addressed a potential strengthening of bilateral partnerships, notably in digitalisation and education.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine was also on the agenda, according to the Swiss foreign ministry.
However, hopes of upgrading a bilateral free trade agreement between Switzerland and Japan appear to have been unfulfilled.
Cassis indicated that Switzerland might have to adapt its current policy, according to the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper. Switzerland was a pioneer when it inked a free trade deal with Japan in 2009, but the European Union has boosted its trade ties with Japan since.
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.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
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
Switzerland will participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka
This content was published on
The government has set aside a budget of CHF17.6 million ($18.8 million) to host a Swiss Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
Swiss, Japanese leaders agree to explore trade deal upgrade
This content was published on
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said economic ties between the two countries were strong after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
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.