Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Participation in U.S.-Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman inaugurated the U.S.-Switzerland Strategic Partnership Dialogue today in Bern with Swiss State Secretary Livia Leu.  The launch of the Strategic Partnership Dialogue underscores the United States’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Switzerland and deepening the two countries’ longstanding cooperation on critical global issues.

Deputy Secretary Sherman and State Secretary Leu discussed areas of bilateral interest and cooperation, including trade and investment, digitalization and cybersecurity, democracy and human rights, and clean energy and the climate crisis.  The Deputy Secretary expressed her appreciation for Switzerland’s longstanding role as the United States’ protecting power in Iran, and for Swiss efforts over more than four decades to help free Americans unjustly detained in Iran.  Deputy Secretary Sherman and State Secretary Leu also discussed pressing global issues, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and the People’s Republic of China.

Both countries expressed a strong interest in deepening the partnership between the United States and Switzerland to continue our work creating a more secure and prosperous world.