President Maurer and Russian President Vladimir Putin agree to closer cooperation

Bern, 21.11.2019 - At today’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Ueli Maurer discussed bilateral relations, economic matters and Switzerland’s peacebuilding efforts.

At the meeting with President Putin, President Maurer emphasised the good and wide-ranging nature of relations between Switzerland and Russia, which should continue at a high level. A substantial part of the discussions was dedicated to economic relations. Mr Maurer suggested to President Putin a regular exchange with Swiss business leaders at the highest level to address key topics, which from a Swiss perspective would include matters such as legal certainty, investment protection, fair taxation and the creation of the best possible conditions for investment.

Further topics of discussion included the conflicts in eastern Ukraine, the South Caucasus and Syria, as well as Switzerland’s peacebuilding efforts in these regions. With regard to the conflict in Georgia, both sides commended the intensive exchanges. Switzerland has held a protecting power mandate for Russia in Georgia and vice versa since 2008/2009. Mr Maurer explained Switzerland’s activities which are aimed in particular at improving the living conditions of the population in Georgia affected by the conflict. President Putin expressly thanked Switzerland for exercising the protecting power mandate over the years. A number of other matters were also addressed including the situation in Syria, where Switzerland believes a lasting improvement can only be achieved through a UN peace process, as well as cooperation with Russia in the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

At his meeting with Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev, Mr Maurer discussed the matter of Swiss companies based in Russia obtaining equivalent conditions. He proposed establishing a common point of contact to help further Swiss companies access the Russian market. Mr Maurer and Mr Medvedev also discussed the great importance of technological development for both countries, and expressed the idea of examining a joint project for start-ups. The talks were rounded off with an exchange of views on OECD tax reforms.


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