The Swiss contribution in Romania is intended to reduce economic and social disparities, Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu said on Thursday during a joint press statement with the head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, who is on an official visit to Romania.

„We referenced the fact that almost two years ago, during his last official visit to Bucharest as President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Ignazio Cassis was the one who signed the framework agreement between the Romanian Government and the Swiss Federal Council on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution. Through this contribution, which aims to reduce economic and social disparities, Romania will benefit from 221.5 million Swiss francs for programs that will support economic growth and social dialogue, reduce youth unemployment, protect the environment, strengthen social systems and civic involvement. These funds represent an opportunity to continue modernization,” said the Romanian top diplomat.

Hurezeanu mentioned that the high-ranking Swiss official is slated to sign during his Bucharest visit bilateral agreements on the implementation of the programs related to the contribution. Also, the Romanian foreign minister thanked Switzerland for its activity in the UN, OECD, OSCE, and for its support for Romania’s joining the OECD, noting also „the strong upward trend” of Romanian-Swiss trade.

Ignazio Cassis said that trade between Switzerland and Romania amounts to 5 billion euros, and there are 900 Swiss companies in Romania.

We want to promote projects in economy, security, energy efficiency, the reinforcement of social systems, dual education and civil society – these areas also enjoy priority in Switzerland and are of joint interest for our countries, he said, according to the official translation.

Cassis also referred to the rapprochement efforts between the EU and Switzerland, evoking the geopolitical context and „the volatility of the times we live in.”

Expressing Switzerland’s willingness to support Romania, he said that Switzerland is in its turn counting on Romania’s cooperation, in its capacity as a neighbor of Ukraine, as a country with opening to the Black Sea and as a NATO member, to safeguarding the security of Europe and preserving good neighborly relations. That is why Switzerland wants, as it has done in other situations, such as Kosovo, to provide the necessary support. Democracy, as a form of coexistence, is somewhat under pressure all over the world. Switzerland has a long democratic tradition and is convinced, as Churchill said, that democracy is the best possible form of organization, emphasized Ignazio Cassis.

The FDFA head underlined Switzerland’s commitment to Ukraine „in the long term”.

Our government wants to support Ukraine and intends to make 5.2 billion euros available. We all want the war to end as soon as possible, and we are all putting in our contribution to this not only from a political point of view, but also economy-wise, Ignazio Cassis pointed out.

AGERPRES