Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

“Our two countries enjoy strong and diverse links. We cooperate closely, innovate and move forward side by side, while at the same time making common cause at the international level,” said Mr Cassis in his opening remarks at the Forum for Dialogue on Thursday, 28 November. Mr Cassis and Mr Tajani both praised this platform, calling it an important vector for promoting dialogue among civil society, the business world, academia, and the cultural and political spheres. Drawing on the diversity of its participants, the Forum aims to be a catalyst for success for the many collaborations between Switzerland and Italy, especially in the areas of innovation, research and science. The Canton of Ticino, a key factor in cross-border relations, was the guest of honour at this 7th edition of the Forum; it was represented by a delegation headed by Christian Vitta, president of its State Council. On the margins of the forum, Mr Cassis and Mr Tajani held talks on bilateral relations, the status of negotiations with the European Union and pressing international issues.

Promoting dialogue on abolishing the death penalty

Mr Cassis also participated in the 14th World Congress against the Death Penalty. The congress, hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio and backed by Switzerland, brought together ministers from several countries in an effort to promote a constructive dialogue between states that hold diverging positions on this topic. “An open dialogue is the precondition for strengthening mutual understanding and promoting progress,” said Mr Cassis in his remarks. In the summer of 2024, the FDFA announced its action plan for the universal abolition of the death penalty. This plan is the culmination of Switzerland’s diplomatic push to limit the application of capital punishment around the world and advocate for its complete abolition.  

Economic discussions and meetings with UN agencies

On Friday, 29 November, Mr Cassis and the delegation from Ticino met with Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italy’s Minister of Economy and Finance. This meeting was an opportunity to build on the positive dynamic that has emerged in recent years – a dynamic that is apparent in the many agreements entered into and the bilateral trade relationship that is now worth more than one billion francs per week. The two officials’ last meeting took place in April 2023, the year in which the bilateral agreement on the tax treatment of cross-border commuters took effect and Switzerland was removed from Italy’s black list for the taxation of individuals.

Afterwards, Mr Cassis discussed the impact of geopolitical developments on food security with the director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu. He then participated in an event at which an FAO report was presented on the state of agricultural commodity markets around the world. Mr Cassis ended his visit to Rome with a meeting with Alvario Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and chair of UN-Water. Their discussion centred on global food security and investment in the local private sector for a sustainable supply of food and water.

Further information:

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Italy
Svizzera e Italia in Dialogo
Common, deep roots – Switzerland and Italy continue to engage in dialogue
International Congress of Ministers of Justice on the Death Penalty (it)
Speech - Innovazione e formazione duale (it)
Speech - Organisation des Nations unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) (FR)

UNIVERSAL ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY ACTION PLAN 2024–2027(pdf, 4811kb)

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