President Alain Berset in South Korea for bilateral talks and the Winter Olympics
Bern, 08.02.2018 - On Thursday, 8 February, President Alain Berset was received by President MOON Jae-in in Seoul. The main topics of discussion included bilateral cooperation in economic and scientific affairs, and the security situation on the Korean peninsula. Mr Berset also met with health and welfare minister, PARK Neunghoo.
At the meeting with President MOON, both sides commended the excellent relations between the two countries. Contacts in the field of science are particularly important as South Korea is one of Switzerland’s eight priority countries. This cooperation should be further intensified. With regard to trade relations, Mr Berset reiterated Switzerland’s interest in updating the free trade agreement between the EFTA states and South Korea which has now been in place for twelve years.
The two delegations also discussed the security situation on the Korean peninsula. Mr Berset stated that Switzerland very much welcomed the resumption of dialogue between North and South Korea and hoped that the talks would continue beyond the Olympic Games.
At an event held as part of the Swiss-Korean Innovation Week, Mr Berset and the South Korean health minister, PARK Neunghoo, discussed how costs in healthcare could be reduced through innovation. The Swiss delegation then visited a pharmaceutical company with Swiss partners in Seoul.
Onward to Olympic host city
President Berset’s tour of Asia, the first leg of which took him to Bangladesh, continues to Pyeongchang for the opening of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games on Friday. Before his departure on Saturday evening Mr Berset will hold bilateral talks with a number of heads of state and government, as well as with representatives from international organisations, attend events at the House of Switzerland and cheer on Swiss athletes competing in various disciplines.
Address for enquiries
Nicole Lamon, Head, FDHA Communications
nicole.lamon@gs-edi.admin.ch
or FDHA Communications: +41 58 467 40 66
Links
Publisher
Federal Department of Home Affairs
http://www.edi.admin.ch
