He welcomed an increase in economic and scientific cooperation between the two countries, further reiterating: “The volume of financial dealings between Iran and Switzerland is small and unbalanced. By being aware of the numerous capacities of Iran, Swiss businesspeople and investors can improve this level of cooperation.”
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated that lack of any evidence showing that Switzerland cooperated with some western governments in imposing sanctions is good grounds to increase cooperation with this country. He added: “Since long ago, we have known Switzerland as a center of peace, friendship and cooperation. Of course, some European countries are not like this because their interests lie in waging wars and creating discord.”
Ayatollah Khamenei pointed to the Iranian nation’s experience of the hostility of some European countries – including their delivery of missiles and warheads to Saddam’s regime during the imposed war – saying: “This behavior created a negative impression in the minds of our people, but such mentality does not exist in Iran when it comes to Switzerland.”
His Eminence stressed that the Islamic Republic will provide complete economic support to Switzerland and legal guarantees for the agreements between the two countries, adding: “It is important that these agreements will be put into practice with serious cooperation and with firm determination and willpower.”
Expressing his happiness about his trip to Iran, Johann Schneider-Ammann referred to the long history of the relations between Iran and Switzerland and said: “It is an honor for us to be in Iran and to bear witness to a step forward in the relations between the two countries.”
The President of Switzerland announced that two scientific-economic delegations are accompanying him on this trip, adding: “On this trip, we spoke about the road map to extensive and diverse cooperation between Iran and Switzerland. Signing this road map can lead to an increase in relations and exchanges.”
Schneider-Ammann referred to the existence of grave challenges in the world and stressed: “Today, the vast scope of these instabilities and challenges has involved even Europe and countries surrounding Switzerland. In order to resolve these grave challenges, we need cooperation.”