DFA Undersecretary Enrique A. Manalo and Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan (5^th and 4^th from left) and Head of the Asia Pacific Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Raphael Nägeli

                                                                        (6^th from left), with respective members of the Philippine and Swiss delegations, pose for a souvenir photo following the 8^th Political Consultations

The Philippines and Switzerland successfully concluded their 8^th Political Consultations on 03 July 2019 in Berne, Switzerland. The two sides had candid and in-depth discussions on various issues including political and economic developments in their respective countries and peace and security, and cooperation in the field of defense, legal matters, trade and investments, taxation, vocational and technical, tourism, and culture, among others. 

                  Undersecretary Manalo (3^rd from left) raises issues of bilateral concerns during the 8^th Political Consultations between the Philippines and Switzerland. Also in the photo are Philippine Delegation members

  (from left-right): Minister and Consul General Josephine M. Reynante, Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan, Assistant Secretary Amelita C. Aquino, DTI Executive Director Magnolia Uy, and

Principal Assistants Regina Angeli P. Ambrocio and Aleah Marie B. Gica.

The Philippines also highlighted various developments made to achieve the goal of peace and lasting development especially in the Mindanao region such as the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the creation of the Basamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The important role played by Switzerland in the Peace Process, specifically in the Swiss-led Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, was also acknowledged by the Philippines during the discussions.

Both sides concluded the discussions with the commitment to pursue closer collaboration and closer consultations on issues of mutual concern.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo headed the Philippine Delegation during the Political Consultations. Ambassador Denis Yap Lepatan, Office of European Affairs Amelita C. Aquino, Minister and Consul General Josephine M. Reynante and other DFA officials, and Department of Trade and Industry Executive Director Magnolia Uy were also members of the Philippine Delegation.  The Swiss side was headed by Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl for the discussion on multilateral issues and FDFA Head of the Asia Pacific Division Ambassador Raphael Nägeli for the discussion on bilateral issues.

                                                                                                                   DFA Undersecretary Manalo shakes hand with FDFA State Secretary Paschale Baeriswyl.

                                                                                           Usec. Manalo shakes hands with Swiss Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Alain Gaschen following at the conclusion of the meeting.

On the sidelines of the Political Consultation, the Philippine Embassy also held a “Peace and Development Forum” to discuss the priorities of the Philippine government at both the national and regional levels to achieve peace and lasting development. During the Forum, the Philippines reiterate its commitment to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace for all. – End –