On March 31, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and his Swiss counterpart Micheline Calmy-Rey attended the opening ceremony of the Swiss Embassy in Armenia.

The President of the Swiss Confederation noted that the two countries are linked by long-term relationships. She also expressed confidence that the embassy will help strengthen ties between people and governments of the two states.  

The opening of the embassy also indicates Switzerland’s desire to develop relations with countries outside Europe, particularly in a region, in which welfare and peace are of great importance.  

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stressed that the establishment of the embassy is another important step towards further development of bilateral relations. “The appointment of world’s most famous Armenian as Armenia’s Ambassador to Switzerland, shows the importance Yerevan attaches to the development of relations with this country,” Nalbandian noted, quoting an Armenian proverb: “If you want doors to be open for you, keep it open yourself.”

Micheline Calmy-Rey had announced Switzerland’s plans to open an embassy during her previous visit as Swiss Foreign Minister.