Swiss President Alain Berset arrives
UNB
Solidarity with Rohingyas, closer ties with Bangladesh on focus A red carpet was rolled out as the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset arrived in the city on a four-day official visit yesterday, the first official visit by any Swiss president to Bangladesh, reports UNB. President Abdul Hamid received his Swiss counterpart as he arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by an aircraft of Swiss Air Force at1:14 pm. Cabinet members, including Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, dean of diplomatic corps, chiefs of three services, Inspector General of Police, secretary concerned to the president, among others, were present. A smartly turned out contingent comprising members of Bangladesh Army, Air Force and Bangladesh Navy gave guard of honour to the Swiss President. He was welcomed with a 21-gun salute. Two tiny tots presented bouquets to President Berset.
After the warm reception at the airport, the Swiss President was taken to Sonargaon Hotel in a ceremonial motorcade where he will be staying during the visit.
President Berset will visit Rohingya camps in Coxs Bazar districton Tuesdayand listen to stories of tortures from Rohingyas.
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali will meet the Swiss President at Sonargaon Hotel at6pmon Sunday.
On Monday, President Berset will visit Savar National Mausoleum to pay homage to Liberation War martyrs.
He will also visit Bangabandhu Museum at Dhanmondi to pay respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The Swiss President will have official talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her officeon Mondayafternoon. President Abdul Hamid will host dinner in honour of his Swiss counterpart at Bangabhabanon Mondayevening.
There will be two main focuses -- solidarity with a country that is severely affected by the crisis in neighbouring Myanmar and the establishment of closer bilateral relations, says the Swiss Embassy in Dhaka. Apart from underscoring the current status of bilateral relations, the two countries will discuss ways to further strengthen economic, development and cultural cooperation during the visit.
Besides, solidarity with Bangladesh over the Rohingya crisis will be a major focus of the talks, according to the Swiss Embassy.
