TIRANA – All over the world, Swiss citizens commemorate the foundation of their country on August 1st each year. On this occasion, the Swiss Embassy in Tirana held a reception on Thursday evening which was attended by Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta, Parliament members, representatives of diplomatic corps, representatives from Albania’s central and local government, business and civil society, Swiss nationals, international organizations, etc.

In his greeting remarks, the Swiss Ambassador to Tirana, Christoph Graf welcomed the guests stating that some 724 years ago three cantons in the heart of the Alps agreed on a solidarity pact and that was the birth of today’s Swiss Confederation.

Ambassador also spoke about the strong ties and friendly relations between Albania and Switzerland in many fields. “My wife and I have been sincerely impressed by the warm and friendly attitude of the Albanian people, the clear and Europe-oriented vision Albania is following and the reform dynamics that we are observing,” Ambassador said.

Further, he declared that Switzerland is privileged to support Albania in its ambitious reform efforts. The 25 ongoing cooperation projects between our two countries are proof of a mutually appreciated partnership and a heartfelt friendship. The upcoming visit in September of 15 newly elected Albanian Mayors to Switzerland to exchange with their Swiss counterparts about how to live up to democracy at local level, how to organize health, education, waste services in practice will enrich and further strengthen Swiss-Albanian ties,” he stated. According to him, such ties are strong in several fields such as Albanian stars in Swiss national teams as well as 30 Swiss companies present in Albania.

Ambassador Graf pointed at the impact of the practice of ‘direct democracy’ upon the Swiss national identity.

“There is one aspect on which almost all Swiss agree: our direct democracy is a unique political system and we identify ourselves with it. Direct democracy is a courageous system; it gives the citizens the most political power and responsibility. It is not black and white, it is based on dialogue, respect and compromise. Direct democracy also means that minorities are respected,” Ambassador Graf declared.