Inauguration of the Embassy of Panama

Esteemed Minister

Excellencies,

Dear guests,

It is a real pleasure to welcome you today to the new Embassy of the Republic of Panama.

This is already the third embassy opening in Bern this year. As Foreign Minister, I could hardly ask for a more encouraging trend.

Panama's decision to strengthen its presence in Switzerland is a sign of friendship and confidence in our relationship. And in today's world, that is no small thing.

Because we are living through a period of uncertainty. Headlines often speak of tensions, divisions and rivalry.

An embassy sends a different message.

It says: dialogue matters. Cooperation matters. And diplomacy still has a future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At first glance, Panama and Switzerland seem very different. One connects oceans. The other is surrounded by mountains.

Yet geography has given both our countries a similar mission: connecting people.

Panama built a bridge between oceans. Switzerland became a bridge in the heart of Europe.

Both our countries are relatively small. Both are highly connected. And both know that openness, trust and reliable rules are essential for prosperity and security.

Our relationship has deep roots.

Switzerland established a consular presence in Panama as early as 1884, long before diplomatic relations were formally established.

Already then, Switzerland understood Panama's strategic importance as a meeting point between continents, cultures and markets.

Today, our cooperation covers trade, investment, transport, finance and many other fields.

And yes, even maritime affairs.

People are sometimes surprised to learn that Switzerland has a merchant fleet.

A landlocked country with ships may sound unusual.

But perhaps it simply proves that geography should never limit ambition.

In that sense, Panama and Switzerland understand each other quite well.

This year, Switzerland also joined the Protocol relating to the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal.

For us, this is a natural step. The Canal is not only a remarkable engineering achievement.

It is also a symbol of connectivity, cooperation and freedom of navigation.

Dear friends,

In a fragmented world, bridges are more useful than walls.

Except, perhaps, for the walls of an embassy.

Because these walls are built to bring people together.

May this embassy be a place of dialogue, friendship and successful cooperation for many years to come.

I wish the Embassy of the Republic of Panama every success.

And now, let us celebrate this new home together.

Muchas gracias!