Didier Burkhalter and Sergej Lavrov meet in Moscow to review bilateral and international relations
Bern, 11.04.2016 - The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, and Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergej Lavrov met in Moscow on Monday to review relations between Switzerland and Russia. They covered a wide range of matters relating to international politics, and Mr Burkhalter emphasised the importance of seeking solutions that will lead to a resolution of conflicts.
After their talks, the two ministers expressed satisfaction at the good relations and frequent exchanges between the two countries, which have scheduled no fewer than 15 consultations between Swiss and Russian experts this year. "Our relations are solid, multifarious and useful", summed up Mr Burkhalter during a joint press conference.
Specifically, Mr Burkhalter and Mr Lavrov discussed the dual protection mandate that Switzerland fulfils for Russia and Georgia, in particular the negotiations on the implementation of a customs agreement between the two countries, the development of the situation in Ukraine, and the war in Syria. The two foreign ministers also expressed their concerns about recent incidents in Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory claimed by Armenia and Azerbaijan which has experienced a renewed upsurge in violence in recent days.
With respect to Ukraine, Mr Burkhalter stressed the need to strengthen the cease-fire. According to Mr Burkhalter, a concrete step to this end would be to withdraw the heavy weapons under the supervision of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Mr Burkhalter also informed his Russian counterpart of the humanitarian efforts being undertaken in Ukraine by Switzerland, which will send a fourth humanitarian convoy this May to both sides of the frontline in the Donbas region.
The two ministers also addressed various matters relating to bilateral relations. For example, Mr Burkhalter stated that he would like pharmaceutical products to be given easier access to the Russian market and called for a prompt conclusion of an agreement on the import and return of cultural property.
The last official working visit at ministerial level was in 12 April 2013, when Mr Lavrov and Mr Burkhalter met in Neuchâtel. They have also met on numerous occasions on the margins of international conferences.
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