Walter Rosenkranz, who took up his role as president of the National Council around five and a half months ago, chose Switzerland as the destination for his first official trip abroad. The focus of the meeting with National Council president Maja Riniker was on the traditionally close political, economic and cultural relations between the two neighbouring countries. Both parliamentary leaders emphasised the importance of these excellent neighbourly relations, particularly in view of the current geopolitical challenges that require a joint commitment on the part of democratic states.
Against this backdrop, neutrality was an important topic during the bilateral exchanges. Maja Riniker and Walter Rosenkranz discussed the role of neutral states in the current security environment, highlighting both similarities and differences in the way their two countries have shaped their neutrality. Switzerland's relations with the European Union were also discussed, in particular the conclusion of the substantive negotiations and the further domestic political roadmap for dealing with the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU.
A further keys topic at the meeting was close cooperation in the border area and on economic issues. Both sides emphasised the existing synergies and explored possibilities for more intensive cooperation – for example with regard to the shortage of skilled workers that is being felt in both countries.
Also present at the meeting was Nicolò Paganini, the president of the Delegation for relations with the Austrian Parliament (Del-A).
Photos of the official visit