KARACHI: Fostering and developing relations with neighbouring countries, strengthening relations with the European Union and ensuring stability in Europe are the primary objectives of Swiss diplomacy. These thoughts were articulated by Swiss consul general Emil Wyss at the faculty of social sciences, University of Karachi, on Thursday. He had been invited by the department of international relations to speak on ‘Diplomacy made in Switzerland’.

Elaborating on nurturing relations with neighbours and the EU, he said that trade was the core of such relationships.

For instance, with Pakistan there were a number of bilateral trade and economic agreements but he expressed the hope that the revenue generated would instead be spent more on health and education rather than augmenting the defence budget.

He informed the audience mainly comprising students that even though Switzerland was not a member of the EU, yet the country had great trading relations with it.

“Certain groups within the country are unhappy with the open border policy with the EU but if we limit the number of people coming into Switzerland, then the various agreements we have made with member countries of EU will be in jeopardy,” said Mr Wyss, hinting at the opposition to the generous Swiss immigration policy by right-wing elements.

Predicting the rise in the number of refugees, the Swiss CG said that climate change was going to be one of the biggest factors. “According to a study sea levels may rise by one metre and that will lead to dislocations in huge numbers.” This means that Switzerland will have to bear the brunt of it. Thus, Switzerland has adopted a proactive diplomacy approach.

International cooperation is also a part of Swiss diplomacy in the form of technical assistance. “Nearly 10,000 schools in Pakistan have been funded by Switzerland.”

He also discussed the interconnection between human rights and economic development. “Companies that provide a right working environment to its employees and do not indulge in the practice of child labour for making its products are certain to get repeated business by Swiss companies.” Mr Wyss said that when he visited Swiss organisations in Pakistan, he checked whether they were meeting international standards or not. “Customers are ready to pay a higher price for a product manufactured meeting regulatory standards.”

Speaking about the belated decision of Switzerland to join the United Nations, he said: “It happened in 2002 and it took a long time to do so because Swiss people thought it was incompatible with their long-cherished principle of neutrality.”

Upon joining the UN, Switzerland has actively participated in peace-keeping missions and is now “working towards an optimisation of the UN and participating in the debate of reforming the Security Council”.

Switzerland has also proven to be an ideal venue for international arbitration as was recently seen when the Iran nuclear talks took place with six world powers that eventually led to a successful outcome. Davos in Switzerland is also the venue for the annual World Economic Forum meetings. “Nearly 25,000 opinion leaders gather in one place and play a tremendous marketing role for Switzerland.”

During the Q and A session, a PhD student asked the CG about the recent banking reforms in Switzerland and how it would benefit Pakistan since many politicians have allegedly stashed their wealth in Swiss accounts. “The ball is really in Pakistani courts. The case has to first go through the courts of Pakistan. Then the government of Pakistan has to make a formal request to our government and provide evidence about the [illegally acquired money] stashed in Swiss banks. If the Pakistani government is able to prove it, the Swiss government will then return the money.”

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2015

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