Réception à Nairobi

Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

Switzerland and Kenya have long enjoyed many close ties: Switzerland was one of the first countries to recognise the Republic of Kenya as an independent state in 1963. Since then countless Swiss people have come to appreciate Kenya as a wonderful holiday destination. Tourism also plays a major role in our business relations. Another feature we share, which appeals to me as a sports enthusiast, is that Switzerland and Kenya are both sporting nations. While Kenyan athletes are known to be the best long-distance runners in the world, Switzerland has won its own fair share of medals when it comes to winter sports and tennis.

Let me also draw some historical parallels between our two countries:

Switzerland once lived in a very tough neighbourhood, back in the days when European countries were perpetually waging war against each other. This pattern of almost incessant warfare went on for centuries until the end of World War II and the foundation of today’s European Union. Kenya nowadays finds herself in a comparably difficult regional environment.

Switzerland’s strategy has always been to contribute actively to peace. Geneva has been a meeting place for peace talks for decades. In Kenya, President Kenyatta has devoted much of his time to Somalia and the Right Honorable Raila Odinga has visited South Sudan to assist that neighbouring country on its path to peace.

Humanitarian ideas have strong roots in both countries.

Switzerland is proud of its humanitarian tradition, which saw the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1864 in Geneva.

Kenya can also look back on a significant humanitarian history, generously hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees from the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region on its soil.

Switzerland and Kenya together have an important role to play in keeping humanitarian issues high on the world’s agenda.

There are many good reasons for our countries to enhance their partnership. Kenya is an anchor of stability in Eastern Africa. Switzerland, as one of the oldest democracies in the world, has a keen interest in a strong and vibrant democratic Kenya. In a world in which the model of democracy is increasingly being called into question by authoritarian trends, Switzerland is actively looking for closer ties with countries like Kenya. Kenya today has the unique opportunity to be a leader within the community of democracies. An important point in the discussion with President Kenyatta today was how we can consolidate and strengthen our democracies.

Strong institutions are the glue in a functioning democracy. Corruption destroys democratic institutions and the dreams and aspirations of the people.

Switzerland and Kenya have been working together to fight corruption for a number of years. Switzerland has blocked financial assets related to the Anglo-Leasing corruption scandal and is waiting for the case to be closed. This would allow Switzerland to return the blocked assets to Kenya.

Switzerland needs partners like Kenya in order to identify and freeze assets that have been illegally acquired and have found their way to Switzerland.

It is also through partnership that agreement can be reached on how best to return these assets, a way that benefits the people of the country concerned.

Together with the Kenyan authorities, we have negotiated a Framework for the Return of Assets from Corruption and Crime in Kenya, which was signed today.

Kenya is not just a political partner for Switzerland, it is also one of the most important economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Swiss companies have been in Kenya for many years.

Recently, Swiss pharmaceutical businesses have shown an increased interest in the Kenyan market. The same is true for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

Switzerland and Kenya have a lot in common historically and share common interests in the 21st century.

Let me finish by saying something about culture, which like politics and business can help build bridges between our countries.

I am delighted that with Afro-bubble-gum, a cultural movement that had its beginnings in Kenya is now attracting attention worldwide. This movement shows the enormous potential that lies in our ties with Africa.

Let me re-iterate that Switzerland values its long-standing friendship with Kenya and looks forward to continuing a partnership based on mutual trust and a shared vision for the future.

I am proud to be able to make my own contribution to promoting relations between Switzerland and Kenya through my visit.

And I look forward to speaking with you personally this evening. Thank you very much!