Swiss, Japanese leaders agree to explore trade deal upgrade
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said economic ties were strong and relations between the two countries excellent following his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo on Saturday.
Parmelin, who heads the economics ministry, stressed the need to upgrade the 2009 bilateral free trade agreement, notably to improve market access for Switzerland, now that Japan has a trade deal with the European Union. Suga said he was ready to study opportunities to do this.
After delays in talks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, technical discussions will now begin between the Alpine country and its second most important trade partner in Asia.
During the meeting, Parmelin praised Japan for its commitment to the Olympic ideal as host of the Summer Games, which began on Friday. The two men also discussed international cooperation and domestic measures to fight the pandemic.
While in Tokyo, the Swiss leader also welcomed the opening of a new consulate in Osaka that will house an office of swissnex, the Swiss network for education, research and innovation. The office, which is set to begin operations in 2022, will help promote cooperation between researchers and start-ups in the two countries, according to the president.
Japan is a priority country in Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy for 2020-2023.
Cancelled meetings
The meeting with Suga was the President’s first official meeting during his stay in Japan. Parmelin was forced to cancel meetings scheduled on Friday with Emperor Naruhito and the foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi after technical problems with the Swiss leader’s aircraft delayed his arrival in Tokyo.
More
More
Swiss president forced to miss meeting with Japanese emperor
This content was published on
Technical issues with his plane meant Guy Parmelin was unable to meet Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Friday.
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.
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.
A Swiss-Japanese alliance that has thrived in the crisis
This content was published on
Merger or partnership? How the 18-year-old “strategic alliance” between pharma giant Roche and Japanese biotech firm Chugai works.
Building a digital assets corridor between Switzerland, Japan and Singapore
This content was published on
When Swiss and Asian expertise join hands to profit from emerging financial technologies, such as blockchain-inspired crypto assets.
Olympics: ‘Sport has a responsibility to do no harm’
This content was published on
The head of the Geneva-based Centre for Sport and Human Rights says athletes’ freedom of expression is a huge opportunity to advance human rights.
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.