Photo: Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno receives a book from Berne City Mayor Alexander Tschâppât

 Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein Joselito A. Jimeno called on Mayor Alexander Tschâppât of the City of Berne on 03 December 2015. Ambassador Jimeno briefed Mayor Tschâppât on developments on Philippine-Swiss relations, including the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and EFTA countries, which include Switzerland. He said that he looks forward to seeing more active and frequent business exchanges between the Philippines and Switzerland once the PH-EFTA FTA is signed.

Ambassador Jimeno also updated the Mayor on the recent developments on security in the Asian region, particularly the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea issue. 

 For his part, Mayor Tschâppât shared his thoughts on current security issues in Europe, particularly the growing threat of terrorism, concerns about migration andrefugees’ integration, and the increasing support across Europe for conservative parties with populist agenda.

Mayor Tschâppât commented that the City of Berne has not had any problems with Philippine nationals living in the City as they are well integrated into Swiss society. 

The two officials also exchanged views on Swiss politics and the forthcoming elections of the members of the Federal Council. END