The USA is Switzerland's second most important trading partner worldwide and the most important destination for Swiss exports and direct investment abroad. The USA also plays an important role in the areas of education and research. In addition, for the first time in its history Switzerland holds a seat on the UN Security Council based in New York from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.
The first leg of the delegation's trip, led by the presidents of the National Council and the Council of States, was to New York and was mainly dedicated to Switzerland's work in the UN. The delegation was able to meet with UN Secretary General, António Guterres, and attend a Security Council debate on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
The programme at the United Nations included meetings with senior representatives of the organisation including General Assembly president Dennis Francis. Talks focused on the international political situation, current crises and developments as well as Switzerland's role and contribution in the Security Council. The delegation also exchanged views with UN officials and experts on the functioning of the Security Council and the activities and decision-making processes of the General Assembly.
On 20 March, the delegation travelled on to Washington D.C., where the programme included various meetings with representatives of Congress, the State Department and the Swiss Embassy. Presidents Eric Nussbaumer and Eva Herzog were received by several members of the House and Senate, including the Co-Chairs of the Friends of Switzerland Caucus John Barrasso and Jim McGovern (House), Bill Huizenga and Amy Klobuchar (Senate), as well as by Congressmen Don Bayer, former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, and Bill Keating, Ranking Member of the European Affairs Subcommittee, among others. The exchange focused on bilateral and economic relations between Switzerland and the USA, US foreign economic policy, global challenges and cooperation in the areas of research and innovation.
The delegation also met with members of think tanks to discuss global perspectives and challenges as well as foreign policy issues. The last meeting was with representatives of the National Foreign Trade Council, an economic development organisation founded in 1914, where international tax and trade policy issues were addressed.
During the working visit, National Council president Eric Nussbaumer and Council of States president Eva Herzog were accompanied by the 1st vice president of the National Council, Maja Riniker (FDP, AG), the 1st vice president of the Council of States, Andrea Caroni (FDP, AR), as well as National Council member Greta Gysin (Greens, TI) and Council of States member Werner Salzmann (SVP, BE).