A Significant Step Forward in Parliamentary Relations Between Serbia and Switzerland | Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Swiss Confederation

The Switzerland–Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Swiss Federal Assembly, led by the Group’s co-chairs, Ms. Sibel Arslan, Chair of the Foreign Policy Committee, and Mr. Christian Imark, Member of Parliament from the Canton of Solothurn, held a working lunch in Bern. Also in attendance was Ambassador Claudio Fischer, Head of International Relations of the Federal Parliament. This meeting marked the renewal of the Group’s activities after a longer pause. The discussion took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, focusing on a plan of concrete activities for 2026, as well as on opportunities for further strengthening and enhancing cooperation between the two parliaments. It was particularly highlighted that the number of members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Serbia in the Swiss Parliament has doubled over the past six months, representing a clear indicator of the growing interest in advancing bilateral relations and cooperation with the Republic of Serbia.

The meeting was opened by the Secretary of the Switzerland–Serbia Parliamentary Friendship Group and Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Bern, Mr. Bojan Stojanović. He was followed by MP Imark, who shared positive impressions from his recent visit to Belgrade and presented proposals for further activities, including a visit of the Group to Serbia. Through his enthusiasm and commitment, Mr. Imark demonstrated himself to be a reliable friend of Serbia and set a positive tone for the meeting.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Ivan Trifunović, introduced himself to the Swiss parliamentarians and emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation as one of the key pillars of overall bilateral relations. He underlined that regular dialogue contributes to better mutual understanding and to the creation of a favorable environment for the development of cooperation in numerous areas of common interest. Ambassador Trifunović stressed that, although at first glance different, the two countries are connected by a tradition of active neutrality, the Serbian diaspora in Switzerland, cultural and linguistic diversity, a shared commitment to innovation and sustainable development, as well as concrete cooperation in the fields of dual education and international financial institutions. “Our goal is for Switzerland and Serbia not only to be countries that cooperate, but also societies that understand one another.”

It was also noted that in 2026, 110 years will mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Swiss Confederation. This important anniversary represents a valuable opportunity to further enhance relations between the two countries and elevate them to an even higher level, with a particular emphasis on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, economic ties, and political dialogue.

The interlocutors agreed that meetings of this kind contribute to the continuity and dynamism of bilateral relations and expressed their shared readiness to further intensify cooperation in the period ahead.