Egyptian-Swiss cooperation has been growing across various fields, Swiss Ambassador to Egypt Andreas Baum said, stressing that both countries are keen to strengthen their bilateral partnership and translate it into tangible results.
His remarks came during a reception held at the Swiss ambassador’s residence in Cairo to mark the 735th anniversary of Switzerland’s founding. The event was attended by Hassan Raddad, Egypt’s Minister of Labour, representing the Egyptian government, along with diplomats, media professionals and public figures.
Baum noted that the year had witnessed several high-level visits, including that of Swiss Culture Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans also visited Egypt to deepen cooperation between the two countries on migration.
He added that the two countries had launched their cooperation programme for 2025–2028, which focuses on protecting lives, supporting more environmentally sustainable economic development and strengthening governance.
The two sides also brought together representatives of the government and business community through the Egyptian-Swiss Economic Forum, he said. More than 100 Swiss companies operate in Egypt, providing jobs for thousands of people through investment, production and innovation.
Archaeological cooperation and return of Egyptian artefacts
The ambassador said the year had also been an important one for archaeological cooperation. A few weeks earlier, Switzerland had returned an Egyptian funerary mask dating back to the second century BC.
The artefact had recently entered Switzerland through a private dealer under circumstances he described as suspicious, before being returned to Egypt under far better circumstances.
Switzerland has returned approximately 80 archaeological and cultural artefacts to Egypt since the bilateral agreement on cultural property entered into force in 2011, he explained.
He stressed that archaeological cooperation between the two countries extends beyond the recovery of artefacts.
Swiss archaeologists and institutions have been working in Egypt for generations, he added. Egyptian and Swiss researchers continue to work together to study, excavate, restore and preserve archaeological sites, as well as exchange knowledge and expertise.
Baum also announced that the two sides would bring together a large number of researchers and specialists at the first archaeology forum of its kind. According to his remarks, the forum is scheduled for November 8 at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and will explore areas of cooperation in the sector.
Climate change highlights shared water challenges
Turning to climate change, Baum said Switzerland’s glaciers suffered heavy losses in 2026, threatening water supplies and destabilising mountain slopes.
Swiss glaciers lost approximately 5% of their volume in 2026 alone, while losses over the past 25 years reached 43%, he said.
He also pointed to a photographic exhibition organised by Switzerland in Cairo under the title “Melting Glaciers: Water Futures from the Alps to the Nile”. The exhibition brought together two very different landscapes — the Alps and the Nile River — to highlight shared climate challenges.
He emphasised that water connects communities and that climate change recognises no borders. Egyptian-Swiss cooperation currently includes the exchange of expertise in water, sustainable cities, green growth, governance and resilience in the face of crises.
Switzerland calls for dialogue amid regional conflicts
Baum pointed to the situation in Palestine and the Gulf region and expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s continued diplomatic efforts.
On Sudan, he said Egypt has received large numbers of Sudanese fleeing the conflict, while Switzerland has significantly intensified its engagement in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts in Sudan and neighbouring countries.
Baum said Switzerland continues to believe in three principles: resolving conflicts through dialogue, addressing problems collectively in accordance with international law, and making use of multilateral frameworks.
He stressed that Switzerland and Egypt would continue to cooperate and support one another on the basis of these principles.
Economic opportunities and scientific exchange
On bilateral relations, Baum said the two countries’ shared task is to ensure their partnership continues to deliver practical and tangible results.
These include creating more economic opportunities, expanding scientific exchange, improving the protection of the most vulnerable groups and strengthening institutions.
He thanked Egyptian partners across various sectors, including the government, civil society, academia and the private sector, for their cooperation and friendship.
He also thanked the Swiss companies and sponsors whose support helped make the celebration possible, as well as members of the Swiss community in Egypt. He emphasised that they are an important part of the relationship between the two countries.
Baum praised the Swiss Embassy team, saying many of the achievements outlined in his speech would not have been possible without the team’s commitment and constant willingness to go beyond their regular duties.