Discussions with Gérard Larcher focused on bilateral relations between Switzerland and France, relations between Switzerland and the European Union, and current international issues, in particular the war in Ukraine and security and defence policy challenges in the current geopolitical context.
With regard to bilateral relations, the two presidents discussed the close economic ties between Switzerland and France, as well as the vibrant cross-border relations. The meetings addressed the challenges and opportunities for border zones, mobility and the development of cooperation in the field of transport, which was formalised with the signing of two memorandums of understanding in February, and transboundary water management, for which two agreements were concluded in September. Andrea Caroni underlined the importance of this joint commitment to long-term cross-border cooperation along the 600-kilometres of shared border. On the subject of relations between Switzerland and the EU, the President of the Council of States updated his French counterpart about progress regarding the Switzerland-EU package and the political debate on this issue in Switzerland.
Andrea Caroni and Gérard Larcher welcomed the regular exchanges between the parliamentary friendship groups, whose last meeting took place in Paris on 7 and 8 July during a working visit by the Delegation for Relations with the French Parliament. They stressed the importance of dialogue, which forms the basis of cooperation between Switzerland and France.
France is a priority partner in Swiss foreign policy. The rich and close relations between the two neighbours are governed by numerous bilateral treaties as well as by a series of agreements between Switzerland and the EU. Bilateral cooperation focuses on economic issues, research and innovation, and infrastructure projects. Switzerland and France also engage in regular exchanges on international affairs and cooperation within multilateral bodies.