DUSHANBE, April 28, 2013, Asia-Plus – On Saturday April 27, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon met here with visiting Swiss State Secretary Yves Rossier.
According to the Tajik president’s official website, the sides discussed issues related to state and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Switzerland both in bilateral format and in the framework of international organizations, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
In the course of the talks, Mr. Rossier reportedly noted that Switzerland would take over the annual rotating OSCE chairmanship in 2014, and therefore, one of the main purposes of the visit was for him to study the spheres of cooperation between Tajikistan and the OSCE.
He also noted that Tajikistan, which shared with Afghanistan a 1,300 kilometer border, played an important role in the region. Swiss state secretary said Switzerland would continue providing support for Tajikistan both within the framework of bilateral cooperation and international organization after withdrawal of ISAF troops from Afghanistan as well.
President Rahmon, for his part, appreciated Switzerland’s constant support for the process of stable development of Tajikistan and the admission of Tajikistan to the World Trade Organization (TWO).
Secretary Rossier has been state secretary of Switzerland since May 2012. Previously, he served as director of the Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office from 2004 to 2012, and as head of the secretariat for the Swiss Federal Gaming Board from 2000 to 2004. He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1990 and has served in a number of advisory and leadership roles over the years.
The State Secretary and head of the Directorate of Political Affairs is the first point of contact for the Federal Council in matters of foreign policy. He directs the conceptual development, coordination and planning of foreign policy and oversees the reports submitted to the political authorities.
If necessary, the State Secretary represents the Head of Department at meetings of the foreign policy commissions in the National Council and Council of States. He also maintains regular contact with his peers abroad or in Berne.
