Swiss Confederation hosts 1st National Day commemoration in Seychelles |03 August 2018
The ambassador of the Swiss Confederation, Philippe Brandt, on Wednesday evening hosted the 1st official commemoration of the Swiss National Day here in an event at the Grande Maison at La Plaine Ste André.
Present were Vice-President Vincent Meriton, the president of the Court of Appeal Justice Francis McGregor, several ministers, members of the National Assembly, members of the diplomatic corps, Swiss nationals living and working in Seychelles, among other guests.
The event was organised by Ambassador Brandt and the Consulate of Switzerland in Victoria headed by honorary consul Angelika U. Maurel.
When he addressed everyone present Ambassador Brandt expressed the honour he felt to be hosting the first August 1 commemoration here, this year marking the 727th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation.
He noted that the commemoration ceremony organised by the Swiss embassy is to honour and celebrate the friendly relations and strong ties that exist between Switzerland and Seychelles.
The Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Seychelles have been maintaining strong and friendly relations since Seychelles became independent in 1976.
“Those relations are built on a number of characteristics shared by our two countries. Both are small nations open to the world and both are famous tourism destinations,” Ambassador Brandt noted.
He went on to affirm that the two countries’ strong bilateral relations are further defined by close cooperation in a number of areas namely tourism.
“Last year more than 12,000 Swiss citizens visited Seychelles which put Switzerland in the top 10 of tourist arrivals, a very positive figure considering the small size of our country,” Ambassador Brandt said, noting that the 120 Swiss citizens calling Seychelles their home are active in the tourism sector.
Ambassador Brandt went on to point out that in the near future Swiss tourist arrivals will get a further boost with the start of direct air links between Zurich and Mahé starting from September 23 when the Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss Air will offer a weekly non-stop flight in less than 10 hours.
Other areas include the protection of the environment where a few weeks ago students from the Swish Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and the University of Seychelles worked together on a joint waste management project.
The two countries also collaborate in health where Swiss national Pascal Bovet has been sharing his expertise in the public health sector here for many years.
Berne and Victoria also share the same Francophonie values and closely cooperate in a number of multilateral institutions.
Education is also an area where the two countries cooperate where Switzerland offers scholarships for postgraduate studies.
While highlighting accomplishments as a small country, Ambassador Brandt noted that Switzerland also recognises the challenges Seychelles faces in different sectors.
He has reaffirmed his country’s support and willingness to strengthen their bilateral cooperation.
Congratulating the Swiss on this auspicious occasion Vice-President Meriton noted that choosing Seychelles as the official venue to celebrate this historic date for the Swiss is an honour for Seychelles in all respects.
“It is a manifestation of your will to strengthen and boost the relations of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two nations. We are very grateful for all the support that Switzerland provides us to improve the living conditions of our people,” VP Meriton highlighted.
Guests present at the event also listened to a recorded message by the 104th and current president of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset.
Vice-President Meriton and Ambassador Brandt then raised a toast to the good heath of President Berset, and the good relationship between Switzerland and Seychelles before Ambassador Brandt and the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Didier Dogley cut a cake for the occasion.
