Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis promote Switzerland at the UN in New York

Participating in the 76th UN General Assembly in New York was worth it, according to Guy Parmelin. In his first speech as President of the Confederation, he chose a personal style and showed what Switzerland had to offer within the framework of the UN.

In terms of climate change, control of the Covid crisis and food security, the help of Switzerland, with its organizational and training skills, is requested, Parmelin told media representatives at New York on Wednesday morning.

It has been known from the start that protectionism hampers the global economy.”

Guy ParmelinPresident of the Confederation

The Minister of Economy stressed that it was absolutely necessary to work together at the international level to get out of the Covid crisis. “It has been known from the start that protectionism hampers the global economy.”

The reaction to the remarks of the Vice-President of the European Commission

Mr Parmelin also spoke to the media in New York about the comments made by European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic. The latter said that he expected Switzerland not only to pay its cohesion contribution to the EU, but also additional amounts.

The Vaudois said Mr Sefcovic’s comments showed that it was now imperative to start a dialogue at a high political level. “As soon as such meetings are initiated, we will be able to put on the table everything we have done for the benefit of the European Union.

Mr. Parmelin was accompanied by Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis. The Foreign Minister has called for a Swiss seat on the UN Security Council for 2023 and 2024.

Ignazio Cassis also took part in a conference on the peace process in Libya and, together with his Swedish counterpart, chaired a donors’ conference for Yemen and announced the increase of Switzerland’s contribution by one million francs for humanitarian aid.

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