Plassnik: "Special relationship of trust with Switzerland"
04.11.2005
Bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Plassnik and her Swiss counterpart Calmy-Rey in Berne
Berne/Vienna, 4 November 2005 - On the occasion of her visit to the "Thank you, Switzerland" commemorative event on 4 November, Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik met with her counterpart Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey for bilateral talks, which were held in the traditional atmosphere of friendship and good neighbourliness.
"We have a very special bond with Switzerland and a special relationship of trust", said Plassnik. "We cooperate in many areas as a matter of course and without eliciting much attention - for instance, in the fields of UN reform or joint humanitarian aid, i.e. in the service of humanity", added Plassnik.
Today’s talks focused on Switzerland’s relations with the EU and the priorities of Austria’s EU Presidency in 2006.
"The Swiss people sent out positive signals with their clear vote in the referendum on Schengen/Dublin in June and the extension of freedom of movement for persons to the new EU Member States in September", continued Plassnik. "My colleague has also expressed interest in a swift implementation of the ratification process for the so-called Bilateral II agreements", added Plassnik. This package of agreements, which regulates important areas of the relationship between the EU and Switzerland, was concluded last year.
Contacts for further enquiries:
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Press Department
Tel.: (++43-5) 01150-3262
Fax: (++43-5) 01159-213
abti3(at)bmaa.gv.at
