Swiss FM: Egypt, key partner
Egypt-Switzerland, Politics, 2/22/2000

In his interview with Al-Ahram daily, Swiss Confederation FM J. Dyce lauded Egypt's key role in the ME, affirming that Egypt has contributed much to bringing about development in the Middle East.

The Swiss official described Egypt's role in establishing peace in the ME as vital. He said that Switzerland considers Egypt as an effective partner at both economic and political levels. "Egypt's distinguished position in the region and its massive population renders it an important partner to Europe," said the Swiss official.

"Egypt, in the eyes of the Swiss people, comes at the very forefront of lovely destinations to be visited," he added. The Swiss official expressed hope that peace would prevail in the ME, urging all parties concerned to pay the price of peace.

President Hosni Mubarak is to receive next Saturday Swiss Foreign Minister J. Dyce who will arrive in Cairo next Friday. The Swiss Foreign Minister is to hold talks with his counterpart Amr Moussa on bilateral relations and developments in the peace process.

Sources at the Swiss Embassy in Cairo said that Swiss Foreign Minister would meet Minister of Economy Youssef Boutros Ghali and Minister of International Cooperation Ahmed Al Darsh.

The Swiss Foreign Minister's accompanying delegation comprises five representatives of major economic organizations in Switzerland, some parliamentarians, and seven officials representing the Swiss Confederation.

On his part, the Swiss Foreign Minister said that the visit comes within the framework of Switzerland's keenness on promoting its ties with Mediterranean countries, particularly Egypt.

On his country's stance towards Israeli attacks on Lebanon, he said that Switzerland condemns these attacks and appeals on conflicting parties to find a better way of understanding than using force.

He also expressed hope that talks would be resumed on the Syrian track and voiced his country's concern over the refugees issue and its support of UNRWA efforts in this regard.

As regards the Geneva 1949 Convention protecting civilians in war time, Dyce said his country honors this convention and insisted on holding the Geneva conference in July last year despite US and Israeli opposition.

Previous Stories:
  Egyptian police officer demands right of asylum in Switzerland   (2/17/2000)
  Egyptian - Swiss discussions   (2/14/2000)
  Moussa receives coordinator of Swiss initiative for commercial cooperation   (10/13/1999)

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