New Year reception
Berset shows optimism despite the war and the pandemic
On Wednesday, Federal President Alain Berset gave his speech to diplomats from all over the world at the New Year’s reception in Bern. As a member of the UN Security Council, Switzerland wants to campaign for peace, he said.
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Federal President Alain Berset gave a speech on Wednesday in Bern at the New Year’s reception.
Federal President Alain Berset (50) reminded diplomats from all over the world of the consequences of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and those of the corona pandemic. You would have thrown the world back, said Berset at the New Year’s reception on Wednesday in Bern. As a member of the UN Security Council, Switzerland will campaign for peace and security.
There have been steps backwards in important global tasks such as the fight against poverty and hunger, the right to education and equality between women and men, the fight against climate change and the promotion of peace and justice, said Berset. The Federal President exuded optimism with regard to an agreement with the EU.
Contribute experience in peacebuilding
As a member of the UN Security Council for the next two years, Switzerland will work for strong international cooperation, promised Berset. Switzerland will step up its commitment to peace and security there and contribute its extensive experience in peacebuilding and finding multilateral solutions.
Every year in January, the Federal President accepts the congratulations of the heads of mission in the Federal Palace according to the ranking of the diplomatic corps.
Despite Switzerland’s condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions against the aggressor, the Russian Ambassador Sergey Garmonin was invited to the New Year’s reception and was welcomed by Berset. (SDA)