Tajani meets Swiss President Parmelin: Italy reaffirms its position on Crans-Montana

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, held talks today at the Farnesina with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin. Discussions focused on matters of bilateral interest, in particular healthcare reimbursements related to the Crans-Montana tragedy, as well as on the main international dossiers.

Minister Tajani expressed appreciation for President Parmelin's visit to Italy and for the commitment-already conveyed to the Prime Minister-to ensure that the families of the young Italian victims of the Crans-Montana tragedy will not be required to bear any costs for hospital treatment received in Switzerland. In this regard, he reaffirmed Italy's position that such medical expenses should be borne neither by the families nor by the Italian State. Italy has entered an appearance as a civil party in the proceedings underway in the Swiss Confederation and continues to follow developments closely, including the establishment of responsibility for the tragedy.

Tajani and Parmelin also exchanged views on a number of international issues, including Ukraine and the Middle East. Tajani expressed appreciation for Switzerland's longstanding role in facilitating diplomatic solutions through its good offices.

Both Ministers expressed concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the recent attacks against the United Arab Emirates. They also reviewed the situation in Lebanon, highlighting the need to reach a ceasefire with Israel.

The Minister confirmed Italy's support for further developing relations between Switzerland and the European Union, including in the areas of migration policy, as well as security and defence. The importance of strengthening transatlantic relations was also underlined, particularly in light of challenges related to tariffs and critical raw materials.

On bilateral relations, Tajani and Parmelin agreed to continue working towards enhancing economic ties: Switzerland is Italy's fifth-largest export market. Over 1,000 Italian companies operate in Switzerland, with significant interests in the energy, infrastructure and defence sectors. They also agreed to continue preparations for the Italy-Switzerland Dialogue on cross-border cooperation, with particular attention to the implementation of the agreement on the taxation of cross-border workers.