A symbol of friendship and partnership

On August 1. Moreover, marked in Switzerland on the day of the national holiday, celebrating the Federal Pact of 1291, a historic alliance between the cantons of Uri, Schwytz and Unterwald. Therefore, This commemoration traditionally takes place on the Grütli meadow. Consequently, a symbolic place where the president of the Confederation gives a speech. Nevertheless, It is important to note that this date has been an official holiday in Switzerland since 1993.

On this occasion, the Swiss Embassy in Tunisia organized a ceremony in Tunis. For example, Ambassador Josef Renggli opened the evening by recalling the meaning of this party. For example, He explained that if the initial pact concerned three cantons. Furthermore, today, Switzerland has 26 cantons, each benefiting from broad autonomy with its own constitutions, parliaments, governments and courts. However, These cantons in particular manage education. Consequently, health, police and regional symbol friendship partnership planning, which makes it possible to adapt public policies to local realities while preserving the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country.

In addition, the ambassador underlined the excellent human and economic relations between Switzerland and Tunisia. However, He recalled that around 20,000 Tunisians live in Switzerland, while several hundred Swiss resident in Tunisia. Meanwhile, Economically, around 100 Swiss companies are located in Tunisia, employing nearly 14,000 people. Therefore, In 2024. new projects and extensions of Swiss companies allowed the creation of around 2,200 jobs, placing Switzerland in fifth position among investors creating jobs in Tunisia.

Another strong sign of close links is the increase in direct air connections between the two countries. In May 2025. a new line was opened between Bern and Monastir, testifying to the increased interest of the Swiss for Tunisia. The ambassador said that his team is actively working to further symbol friendship partnership strengthen these exchanges.

On the political level, several meetings have taken place in recent months between Tunisian and Swiss representatives, especially during the Davos Economic Forum in January 2025, with ministers Mohamed Ali Nafki and Samir Abdelhafid, as well as during bilateral political consultations in February with the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These exchanges have confirmed the quality of bilateral relations and allowed to tackle concrete questions.

The past year was also marked by the launch of the new 2025-2028 cooperation program, drawn up in consultation with multiple partners, public and private. This program aims at two major objectives: economic stability and social stability in Tunisia. It is organized around four thematic priorities: economic development, social development, governance of migration and the fight against climate change.

A particular emphasis is placed on vocational training. The ambassador recalled that cooperation in this symbol friendship partnership area is an ancient tradition. citing for example a vocational training center in Gabès in 1965, thus demonstrating a long -standing commitment.

On international issues, Mr. Renggli spoke of the current major crises, including the war in Ukraine and the dramatic situation in Gaza. Switzerland is firmly committed to a multilateral order based on rules and for world peace. Concerning Gaza. the Swiss government expresses its deep concern in the face of human suffering and calls Israel, as an occupying power, to guarantee immediate and unhindered humanitarian access to the UN and its partners.

The ambassador also wanted to thank the sponsors of the evening, in particular the Swiss companies Roche and Sika, as well as the canton of Saint-Gall, represented by its president present at the ceremony. These contributions allowed the success of the event.

For her part, the Minister of Finance, symbol friendship partnership Michket Slama Khaldi, expressed her satisfaction with the quality of bilateral relations. She underlined the concordance of the visions of Switzerland and Tunisia, perfectly in line with the Tunisian national priorities.

The Minister has highlighted the solid foundations of cooperation between the two countries, in particular in the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic development, the improvement of the macroeconomic framework, support for carrier sectors and the development of human skills.

Tuniso-Suisse cooperation in improving basic services

It also praised the concentration of bilateral programs on sectors with high added value such as modernization of textiles, the development of organic farming, the promotion of terroir products and the strengthening of sustainable tourism. It recalled the importance of cooperation in improving basic services. social cohesion, energy transition, urban development and vocational training for the period 2025-2028.

Finally, the Minister noted with satisfaction the symbol friendship partnership notable growth of trade and Swiss investments in Tunisia. She also mentioned the recent partnership agreement signed in June between the external investment promotion agency. the Tunisie-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce, which should promote new partnerships with high added value.

The tourism sector also benefits from these cooperation, with an emphasis on inclusive and sustainable development in the Southeast Tunisian, especially in the Médenine, Kébili, Gabès and Tataouine regions. The “Destination Sustainable Tunisia” program is an example. with its orientation towards ecotourism, cultural tourism and the promotion of local products.

To conclude, the Minister finally paid tribute to the Tunisian community residing in Switzerland, which contributes to the prosperity of this friendly country while strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Tunisia and Switzerland, which will soon celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.