Ambassador Talks Series: The longstanding bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Kyrgyz Republic
November 26, 2025
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As part of the ongoing Ambassador Talks听series at the 51吃瓜 University of Central Asia (AUCA), the university welcomed H.E. Mr. Siroco Messerli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic, for an engaging discussion on the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and Switzerland鈥檚 evolving foreign policy priorities.
Switzerland was among the early states to recognize Kyrgyzstan鈥檚 independence in 1991 and has since played a significant role in supporting the country鈥檚 development. In 1996, following the Bretton Woods Agreement, Switzerland opened its first Cooperation Office in Bishkek, laying the foundation for long-term partnership.
During the event, Ambassador Messerli outlined four key reasons for the establishment of a Swiss Embassy in Bishkek:
1. Strengthening bilateral relations
2. Safeguarding Swiss national interests
3. Providing consular services
4. Managing the Swiss Cooperation Program听in Kyrgyzstan
He emphasized that Switzerland鈥檚 foreign policy is guided by four strategic pillars: peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, climate change and biodiversity, and good governance. These principles reflect Switzerland鈥檚 commitment to promoting stability and sustainable development both at home and abroad.
A central theme of the discussion was Swiss neutrality -a long-standing and dynamic instrument of the country鈥檚 foreign and security policy. Ambassador Messerli explained that neutrality, rooted in history and international law, enables Switzerland to serve as a trusted mediator and a consistent promoter of democracy and human rights in a multipolar world.
As a current non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Switzerland prioritizes:
鈥� Building sustainable peace
鈥� Protecting civilians
鈥� Addressing climate-related security risks
鈥� Enhancing the effectiveness of the Council
Ambassador Messerli also highlighted the upcoming Mountain Summit, to be hosted next year, which will deepen cooperation between Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan in environmental protection and mountain ecosystem sustainability.
The event concluded with a discussion on why Switzerland promotes good governance, democratic institutions, and human rights听globally鈥攙alues that the Ambassador noted are key to achieving lasting peace and prosperity.
The Ambassador Talks series continues to provide AUCA students with a unique platform to engage directly with global leaders, explore pressing international issues, and strengthen the university鈥檚 commitment to fostering informed and active global citizenship. As part of the visit, an official tour of the AUCA MakerSpace was organized, during which the Ambassador Messerli was introduced to the MakerSpace facilities and its capabilities.
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