With the lifting of entry restrictions among Schengen states, international parliamentary relations are now able to resume. This visit to Switzerland was the first foreign trip taken by the president of the Austrian National Council since the start of the coronavirus pandemic – the president of the Swiss National Council, Isabelle Moret, considers this a sign of friendship and trust between the two countries.
The working visit focused on coronavirus crisis management and the effect the pandemic has had on both countries. President of the National Council Isabelle Moret described the measures Switzerland has taken in recent months to protect its population and support its economy. Both sides agreed that it is particularly important in times of crisis to remain in contact with and learn from one’s neighbours. “Especially in this phase, as both our countries begin to ease measures, it is important we discuss living with this virus and how we can prevent a massive second wave,” said Mr Sobotka.
President of the Council of States Hans Stöckli (SP, BE) received the Austrian guests for a courtesy visit. Talks centred on the economic and social effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Both sides described how their parliaments continued to function in the crisis, and the responsibilities their respective federal regions have. They also discussed their parliaments’ various initiatives to promote democracy and political education.
The president of the Austrian National Council was accompanied by Norbert Sieber, National Council member and chairman of the Austrian-Swiss parliamentary group. As part of their visit, they met with Member of the Council of States Alex Kuprecht (SVP, SZ) and National Council Member Nicolo Paganini (CVP, SG), the president and vice president of the Delegation for Relations with the Austrian Parliament. Mr Sobotka was also received by the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, during his stay in Switzerland. In addition, Mr Sobotka paid a visit to the Federal Office of Public Health and the paediatric clinic of the University Hospital of Bern.
For more pictures, visit the photo library of the Swiss Parliament.
Contact:
Ambassador Claudio Fischer, Head of International Affairs & Multilingualism, Parliamentary Services,
Tel.: +41 58 322 97 26 / +41 79 277 55 67