One of the highlights of those many years was visiting Mongolia in 2009 as part of a delegation. Back then, I was stationed in China and was thrilled to experience the vast spaces of Mongolia versus the sometimes cramped “big city feeling” in Beijing. I like my role of linking people from all over the world to Switzerland. My home country is unique, and it will be my pleasure to strengthen Swiss relations with Mongolia, China, and the DPRK.
Stefanie: It’s great to hear that you’ve visited Mongolia once already. I’m sure you saw a different country in 2009, and I suppose Ulaanbaatar definitely had fewer cars on its streets. May I ask what makes you happy?
Discovering landscapes and seeing my kids—now adults—enjoy a happy moment.
Stefanie: When do you plan to visit Mongolia and present your credentials to the President of Mongolia?
As soon as possible. However, my duties in China and the strong travel restrictions might delay the presentation of my credentials for a little while.
Stefanie: Let’s hope the border between Mongolia and China will soon be open again. Do you already have plans for strengthening and enhancing cooperation between Switzerland and Mongolia? Do you see any challenges for your new position in regard to Mongolia?
Mongolia is a very interesting partner country for any diplomat. It has a peaceful, open, and constructive approach to world events. Also, it’s located between world powers, such as China and Russia. So, first, Mongolia is an excellent partner for dialogue. Second, Mongolia has its own needs, which I want to explore with the help of our team in Mongolia. Building on that, we will–with our Mongolian partners–develop plans ready for action.
Stefanie: I couldn’t agree more. Mongolia is a very peaceful country and has a crucial role to play in the region to contribute to peace and prosperity. Let’s talk about Switzerland’s cooperation after 2024. After a 20-year presence, Switzerland is closing the Swiss Cooperation Office in Ulaanbaatar. The traditional bilateral development program will phase out by the end of 2024. In your view, which future relationships and partnerships will be possible between our two countries?
Mongolia will still be a country in which we will be very interested. We now have to use the time that remains to discuss action in fields of common interest and design measures built on these. Personally, I think Switzerland and Mongolia could conduct exchanges in the field of rural tourism, or build up projects related to raw materials that are excavated in Mongolia and traded by Swiss companies.
Stefanie: The 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will be in 2024. Do you have any plans for this very special celebration?
I certainly want to be in Mongolia and mark the occasion with a nice event and the launch of a project that opens perspectives on the future.
Thank you for spending some time with us. We’re already looking forward to welcoming you to this beautiful country. Hopefully, that will be soon.
Interviewed by Stefanie Burri, Head of Cooperation, Ulaanbaatar
