Argentina
During their stay in Argentina, the FAC-S delegates held high-level political talks. Meetings with Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Franciso Paoltroni, President of the Argentine senate's Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as other members of the Argentine parliament, served to strengthen the close ties between Switzerland and Argentina. The focus was on the free trade agreement between the member states of EFTA (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). The agreement, signed in Rio de Janeiro on 16 September, must now be ratified by all member states on both sides. The Argentine representatives explained the status of the process in Argentina, clearly expressing their wish to move the process forward quickly.
As the Swiss-Argentine Chamber of Commerce explained in its discussions with the Swiss delegation, the free trade agreement will bring about a lasting improvement in the framework conditions for trade on both sides of the Atlantic. The planned removal of up to 96 per cent of the current customs duties levied on imports from Switzerland, along with the elimination of technical barriers to trade, will create new growth opportunities for businesses.
Another important topic was sustainability. The Swiss delegation explained to their Argentinian counterparts the importance of the environmental and social commitments enshrined in the agreement, including forest protection, preventing deforestation and preserving biodiversity. The delegation also sought information on the potential impact of the agreement on the wine sector, noting that it provides for a duty-free quota of 50,000 hectolitres of red wine for Mercosur.
The delegation also met with Swiss companies that have a keen interest in investing and producing under stable and reliable economic conditions. Their representatives described the current economic challenges in Argentina and explained why they are nonetheless optimistic about the future.
During the political discussions with representatives of the Argentine parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the FAC-S delegation learned about the domestic political situation following the recent parliamentary elections and the economic reform plans of President Milei's government. The discussions focused particularly on efforts to combat inflation, planned structural reforms and the impact of economic liberalisation on the population and on businesses. This provided the delegation with a comprehensive overview of current political and economic developments in the country. There was also an exchange of views with the NGO Poder Ciudadano regarding the state of democracy, transparency and institutional integrity in Argentina.
A particularly memorable part of the visit was the tour of the Parque de la Memoria, a remembrance park dedicated to the victims of the military dictatorship. There, the delegation paid tribute to the victims and laid flowers at the memorial, including for the eight Swiss nationals whose names are inscribed on its walls.
The visit concluded with a programme of events, including meetings with Swiss organisations such as the long-standing Club Suizo in Buenos Aires, and with the descendants of Swiss immigrants. During these encounters, the delegation emphasised the deep human and historical ties that have developed as a result of Swiss emigration over the past 150 years.
Uruguay
From Buenos Aires, the delegation travelled to Uruguay, first stopping in Nueva Helvecia – a town founded by Swiss immigrants in the 19th century which still celebrates Swiss traditions and culture today. While there, the delegation met with local officials, the presidents of the Club Suizo de Nueva Helvecia and the Sociedad Suiza de Paysandú, and with the members of various organisations dedicated to preserving Swiss cultural heritage.
In Montevideo, the delegation held political talks with Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay and President of the General Assembly and the Senate, and with Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin. The delegation members also met with the Switzerland–Uruguay parliamentary friendship group. As in Argentina, the discussions focused on the ratification process and the economic benefits of the EFTA–Mercosur free trade agreement.
During meetings with the Swiss–Uruguayan Chamber of Commerce, as well as with various organisations and Swiss clubs, the FAC–S delegates were able to strengthen ties with Swiss nationals living abroad and with communities that have close links to Switzerland. The historical and cultural ties – from the Ticino architects and sculptors, whose works shape the urban landscape of Montevideo, to the traditions of Swiss clubs passed down through generations – formed an important part of the programme in Uruguay.
This year, the delegation was led by Committee President and Council of States member Marco Chiesa (SVP, TI), accompanied by Council of States members Tiana Moser (GLP, ZH), Carlo Sommaruga (SP, GE), Daniel Jositsch (SP, ZH) and Beat Rieder (The Centre, VS).
Buenos Aires, 25.11.2025 – Meeting between the FAC–S delegation and the President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine Senate, Francisco Paoltroni
Buenos Aires, 25.11.2025 – A courtesy visit to the Argentine National Congress to meet Verónica Razzini, Chamber of Deputies member and President of the Argentina–Switzerland parliamentary friendship group
Buenos Aires, 26.11.2025 – Meeting between the FAC–S delegation and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno
Montevideo, 28.11.2025 – Commission President Marco Chiesa with Carolina Cosse, Vice President of Uruguay and President of the General Assembly and the Senate
Montevideo, 28.11.2025 – Meeting of the Uruguay–Switzerland parliamentary friendship group