FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu in Turkey on official working visit

For Ms Leu it is important to continue Switzerland's open, constructive dialogue with Turkey. During the talks, both sides welcomed the forthcoming entry into force of the updated Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Both countries are members of the Council of Europe and Ms Leu reiterated in this context the obligation to implement rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. She also regretted Turkey's withdrawal from the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).

The interlocutors also exchanged views on recent developments in Afghanistan. Other issues discussed were their countries' respective relations with the EU, the Western Balkans, the Middle East, the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and security and migration matters. A discussion on cooperation in multilateral organisations focused on Switzerland's candidacy for the UN Security Council.

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland – Turkey

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs