ArmInfo.President of Switzerland Guy Parmelin noted about the importance of maintaining contacts with Russia at the proper level. He spoke on this topic on Tuesday, June 15, at a press conference following a meeting with American leader Joe Biden.
"We have several issues for discussion. In addition, we have excellent contacts with the Russian Federation.
It is very important to maintain these contacts at the proper level. And if we have the opportunity to hold a summit between Russia and the United States in Geneva tomorrow, it is because this factor of neutrality, respectful communication and sincerity is highly valued," Parmelin said, answering a question from an Izvestia correspondent.
In turn, Ignazio Cassis, Vice President head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, recalled that he had already mentioned security issues in Europe with reference to Russia.
"We have already talked about such issues as Nagorno-Karabakh and the Ukrainian conflict - these are all elements in which we are very involved, such as, for example, the Minsk process under the auspices of the OSCE, in which a lot of personnel from Switzerland work," Cassis added.
Also during a press conference, Parmelin said that the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh has been achieved thanks to Russia.
Cassis, for his part, said that he and the president intend to discuss the situation in Ukraine and Nagorno- Karabakh during a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
"At the talks with Putin to be held on June 16, Parmelin intends to consider the overall results of our contacts at different levels," said Cassis.
Switzerland on June 16 hosts a meeting between Putin and Biden. It will be the first summit of leaders of the two countries since Biden took office as U.S. President. For Putin, the visit to Geneva will be the first foreign trip since January 2020. The summit will take place at the 18th century estate of La Grange on the shores of Lake Geneva.