Swiss President Backs Saudi Arabia, Urges US-Iran Talks

Swiss President Guy Parmelin reaffirmed his country’s support for Saudi Arabia in what he described as difficult circumstances, and stressed the need to press ahead with efforts to reach a diplomatic solution between Washington and Tehran through negotiations, to safeguard regional peace and stability. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Parmelin said the region’s security situation topped the agenda. He expressed Switzerland’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wisdom and restraint, and conveyed Swiss support. He said both sides agreed on the need to back all efforts to secure a negotiated diplomatic solution in the interest of regional stability. Parmelin said his visit to Jeddah on April 22 and 23 marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties and aimed to boost political and economic relations. He was accompanied by State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda and a senior business delegation representing key Swiss industries. Deepening strategic cooperation Parmelin said talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Saudi Prime Minister, focused on strengthening economic ties amid global uncertainty. He said both sides explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors, including logistics, commodities, financial services, and insurance, where both countries have strong expertise. He said an economic roundtable, co-chaired with Saudi Investment Minister Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif, was a key part of the visit. The meeting brought together senior officials and business leaders and helped identify concrete areas for expanding cooperation and strengthening ties between Swiss and Saudi companies. Parmelin said the signing of a new bilateral investment protection agreement with the Saudi investment minister was a main outcome of the visit. He said the presence of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the ceremony underscored the agreement’s importance in boosting legal certainty for investors and strengthening the framework for bilateral economic engagement. He added that the attendance of chief executives from major Swiss multinational companies highlighted the deal’s importance to the private sector in both countries. Saudi-Swiss relations Parmelin said relations between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia are close, longstanding, and span more than 70 years, describing them as strong and steadily evolving. He said the partnership is built on mutual respect, regular dialogue, and growing economic ties, underpinned by a shared interest in stability, open markets, and rules-based international cooperation. Economic cooperation lies at the core of the relationship, he said, noting that Switzerland is a key trading partner for Saudi Arabia, with around 200 Swiss companies operating in the Kingdom across sectors including pharmaceuticals, machinery, engineering, technology, commodities, logistics, financial services, and insurance. Parmelin said Switzerland sees significant opportunities tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, adding that Swiss expertise in hospitality, research, innovation, sustainable infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, and vocational training could support its goals. At the institutional level, he said both countries are advancing their joint agenda through the annual Joint Economic Commission, bilateral financial dialogue, and political consultations, while maintaining constructive political exchanges and cooperation in multilateral forums. Parmelin said Swiss-Saudi relations are broad and forward-looking, offering real opportunities to expand cooperation across existing and emerging sectors.