The Australian government has officially re-opened its embassy in the Swiss capital, Bern, after a 30-year break. It is part of efforts by both countries to forge closer ties, particularly at the economic level.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/sb
Português
pt
Reabertura de embaixada australiana na Suíça marca um “marco”
The re-opening of the Australian embassy in Bern on Friday “marks a significant milestone in Australia’s relationship with Switzerland and demonstrates the importance we place on deepening our engagement with the Swiss government and people”, the Australian government said in a statementExternal link on Friday.
The Australian embassy in Bern was closed down in 1992 for cost reasons. Since then, Switzerland has been represented by the embassy in the German capital Berlin. Australia also has a Consulate-General in GenevaExternal link.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said: “Our partnership with Switzerland dates back over 60 years, and the opening of the Bern embassy is a testament to our enduring relationship and close cooperation.”
More
More
Alps and Aussies: secrets of a long-lasting, long-distance relationship
This content was published on
The links between Switzerland and Australia go back centuries. Now the pair is moving even closer together.
On Friday, Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin held talks with Australia’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, on issues ranging from bilateral economic relations, cooperation within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to potential areas of cooperation in the cleantech sector.
Australia, the world’s twelfth largest economy, is an important business partner for the Alpine country. Bilateral trade reached CHF3.7 billion ($3.9 billion) in 2021. According to Australian statistics, Switzerland is the eleventh largest investor in Australia. Over 250 Swiss companies in Australia had invested CHF10.1 billion in the country up to the end of 2020.
Switzerland exports watches, pharmaceuticals and precision technology to Australia, whereas Australia exports gold, medicines, meat and silver to Switzerland.
“Because of its strong demand for innovative products and services, and with investments being made in its infrastructure, the Australian market offers considerable potential for Swiss businesses and the Swiss scientific community,” the Swiss government said in a separate statementExternal link on Friday.
In normal times, more than 40,000 Swiss tourists travel to Australia a year.
More
More
Australia to reopen embassy in Switzerland
This content was published on
Australia will reopen its embassy in the Swiss capital Bern in 2022 after a 30-year break, the two countries have announced.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Switzerland wants to examine cooperation with the EU in the defence sector
This content was published on
The Federal Council wants to examine a security and defence partnership with the EU. Exploratory talks are to begin as soon as possible. Among other things, the partnership would be used for defence procurement.
Swiss trial shows organic farming is 85% as productive as conventional agriculture
This content was published on
This is shown by the results of a globally unique open-air trial that has been running for 47 years in Therwil in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
Nestlé fined by Swiss canton for illegally filtered water
This content was published on
Nestlé has been fined CHF 500,000 in the canton of Vaud for the unauthorised use of activated carbon filters in the production of mineral water. The filters were used to produce Henniez water from 2008 to 2022.
Swiss government proposes restrictions on Ukrainian refugees
This content was published on
Only those whose life and limb are at risk in Ukraine and who flee to Switzerland are to be granted S status in future. The remaining Ukrainian refugees should apply for asylum. This is what the Federal Council is proposing.
This content was published on
The Fribourg parliament approved a sum of CHF6.4 million to renovate the ramparts, the walkway and the towers, as well as to replace the exterior lighting.
Swiss rental housing listings increase for the first time in three years
This content was published on
For the first time in three years, the number of advertisements for rental accommodation is on the rise, but this does not dampen demand, quite the contrary. In Ticino, the average duration of an advertisement published on the main portals is 30 days.
Switzerland doing relatively well when it comes to child vaccination rates
This content was published on
Progress in child immunisation has stalled. For decades, the number of children vaccinated against measles, polio and other diseases has risen. But since 2010, vaccination rates have stagnated in many countries, according to a study.
This content was published on
Australia will reopen its embassy in the Swiss capital Bern in 2022 after a 30-year break, the two countries have announced.
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.