Switzerland Wants To See Peace, Economic Growth In Bangladesh: Swiss President

Development must be sustainable, inclusive, he tells Dhaka Courier

- AKM Moinuddin

“Switzerland is not a country of political excess. In Switzerland no-one has the power to impose their will against the wishes of others. But Switzerland is not a country of political minimalism either. We know that we must work tirelessly to safeguard national cohesion and social equality. That is the key to our success.”

This is an excerpt from the speech given by Federal Councillor Alain Berset before the United Federal Assembly on his election as President of the Swiss Confederation for 2018 who paid a four-day official to Bangladesh on February 4-7.

Switzerland and Bangladesh have been fostering good relations for decades. For many years, contacts primarily revolved around development cooperation efforts.

Expressing satisfaction over growing relations with Bangladesh, Swiss President Alain Berset has wished for a continuous economic progress in this country with a peaceful situation, democracy and election in place.

“We agreed to seize new opportunities for cooperation and take the relationship to a new level,” he told Dhaka Courier and UNB in an interview before wrapping up his four-day official visit to Bangladesh.

President Berset said Bangladesh’s socio-economic development in recent decades has been “impressive”.

He said it is important to ensure that socio-economic developments are made in a “sustainable and inclusive” manner, leaving no one behind.

“Our cooperation with Bangladesh in various socioeconomic endeavors has been very good. The 2030 Agenda provides opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between Switzerland and Bangladesh,” said the Swiss President.

Asked about his just-concluded visit, President Berset said his visit has been very successful and he has been touched by the warm welcome he received.