The official opening ceremony of the resident Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Switzerland took place on March 12 in Bern within the framework of the working visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, to Switzerland. Ignazio Cassis, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, attended the ceremony.
The flag of the Republic of Armenia was raised in front of the Embassy, in the heart of Bern, in the historic district included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The national anthems of the two countries were performed, and following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the opening of the Embassy was officially announced.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, and the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis, delivered welcoming and congratulatory remarks, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
Minister Mirzoyan emphasized: “While our traditional presence in Geneva has already established a strong political dialogue, the relocation of the bilateral Embassy to the capital of Switzerland is an important step in the development of our bilateral relations and symbolizes our joint commitment to continuously strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, emphasized: “Our presence in the federal capital will make it possible to develop closer cooperation between our institutions and further strengthen the relations between our two countries.
In many traditions, it is customary to greet a new home with salt and bread. Bread symbolizes stability and continuity, while salt symbolizes taste and, traditionally, protection.
In this spirit, I lovingly invite all of you to share the salt and bread with us.”
The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Switzerland and the guests of the event shared the “salt and bread” served at the Embassy.
Remarks by Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Ignazio Cassis are presented below.
Ararat Mirzoyan: “Dear Federal Councillor, Dear Ignazio,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today we stand in Bern to celebrate the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the Swiss Confederation. While we have developed solid political dialogue through our traditional presence in Geneva, relocation of the bilateral Embassy to the capital city marks an important step in our bilateral relations and symbolizes our shared commitment to further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between our two nations.
This new Embassy will serve as another home for Armenian diplomacy in Switzerland, but it will also serve as a bridge – connecting stronger our governments, our institutions, our businesses, and, most importantly, our people.
But allow me first to express my deep appreciation to the Swiss authorities for their support and above all, dear Mr. Federal Councillor, for your personal engagement and presence here today with us which gives particular significance to this ceremony. I would also like to thank all the guests present today – representatives of the Swiss government, members of the diplomatic corps, our partners and friends – for joining us in celebrating this special day.
Dear colleagues,
Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Switzerland were established in 1992, shortly after Armenia regained its independence. Over the past three decades, our partnership has steadily developed across political, economic, humanitarian, and cultural fields. Our political dialogue has been strengthened through numerous reciprocal visits and meetings between the highest authorities of our countries. Close cooperation across a wide range of sectors – both bilaterally and multilaterally – as well as active inter-parliamentary engagement including through parliamentary friendship groups, has further consolidated the ties between Armenia and Switzerland.
Today, relations between our two countries continue to develop dynamically. We see great potential to further expand our cooperation in areas such as innovation, high technology, education, sustainable development, and trade. Switzerland’s excellence in science, engineering, and finance, combined with Armenia’s rapidly growing technology sector and dynamic human capital, creates promising opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Armenia is committed to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting economic development, and contributing to peace and stability in our region. I believe that this is also a shared vision for our two countries, anchored in historical developments, on our shared values and maybe most importantly in the approach focused on the prosperous future for our citizens. Needless to say, in a world facing many complex challenges, stronger engagement with like-minded partners has become more important than ever.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
And let me conclude by my more personal and very simple note: I was here around two weeks ago, and every time I come back to Switzerland it feels like home much more than any other place we travel throughout the year, and the reason is obvious, it is not the factors that I mentioned, but the astonishing mountainous landscape and the nature, so similar to Armenia, and the traditions in believe in [one we just saw of the bread and salt.
Emphasizing human capital, we may also wish to pay special tribute to Charles Aznavour who by representing our country here, in a nation that was also familiar and dear to him, he embodied with dignity and humanity the living bond between Armenia and Switzerland.
Once again expressing my sincere gratitude to our Swiss partners for their friendship and cooperation. I also thank everyone who contributed to making this day possible.
Thank you.”
Ignazio Cassis: “Minister, dear colleague, dear friend,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today marks an important moment as we celebrate the opening of the Embassy of Armenia here in Bern.
For more than three decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Switzerland and Armenia have enjoyed strong and friendly ties, built on dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
The opening of this embassy, after many years of diplomatic presence in Geneva, represents a meaningful step forward, much like the opening of the Embassy of Switzerland in Yerevan 15 years ago. Being present in the federal capital will allow even closer exchanges with our institutions, and will further strengthen the links between our two countries.
Our cooperation continues to grow in many fields, from political dialogue to economic exchange and people-to-people contacts. The Armenian community in Switzerland also plays an important role in strengthening the ties between our societies.
Another important dimension of the relationship between Armenia and Switzerland is our shared engagement within the Francophonie. In this regard, I would like to warmly greet Ambassador Tolmajian, whose perfect command of French reflects Armenia’s long-standing connection with the French-speaking world.
Charles Aznavour, who served Armenia as Ambassador in Switzerland, said once: «Mon pays, c’est la langue française». Through his music, texts and songs, he built bridges between cultures. He carried both Armenia and the French language to audiences around the world, including here in Switzerland.
Switzerland and Armenia have a remarkable historical heritage. Armenia’s history stretches back millennia, and its ancient shrines stand as powerful symbols of resilience and continuity. Switzerland, too, preserves early аlpine monasteries that have shaped our own cultural landscape. These places remind us that both countries draw strength from an extraordinary continuity while looking towards the future.
Dear colleague,
Speaking of the future, we commend the concrete steps taken by Armenia and Azerbaijan towards peace. While the wider regional stage is currently marked by concerns and uncertainty, the prospect of open borders and increased connectivity in your neighborhoods is encouraging and is needed.
As chairman-in-office of the OSCE, I attach special significance to the ongoing efforts for peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus and beyond.
Dear friends,
The opening of an embassy is, in many ways, similar to moving into a new home. It creates a place where dialogue can flourish and where partnerships can grow.
In many traditions, a new home is welcomed with bread and salt. Bread represents stability and continuity, while salt brings flavor and, traditionally, protection.
In this spirit, I warmly invite you all to share bread and salt with us.