ISLAMABAD – President of the Council of States of Switzerland Jean ReneFournier Tuesday said his country would help resolve the Kashmir issue ifboth India and Pakistan approached it.
Addressing a press conference along with Senate Deputy Chairman SaleemMandviwala, he said Switzerland was working for the resolution of conflictsin different regions.
Responding to questions about Kashmir, he said Switzerland believed inprotection of human rights according to constitution and laws.
Human rights should be respected and Switzerland as a neutral countrywanted resolution of conflicts through use of peaceful means and byavoiding war, he added.
Jean Rene Fournier mentioned his country’s role in resolving conflictsbetween Russia and Georgia, and other issues among countries by makingefforts at international forums.
Jean as Speaker of the Swiss Parliament stressed the importance ofparliamentary democracy in promoting bilateral relations between countriesand strengthening of people-to-people contacts. He said Switzerlandattained its present form of democracy due to efforts spread over centuriesand by following procedures.
Switzerland had an immense interest in Pakistan and its businessmen hadinvested in various sectors of Pakistani economy, he added.
Although Switzerland was a small country it was the 10th largest investorin Pakistan which was many times bigger than it in terms of population andarea, he noted.
He said Pakistan had made great progress for improving its security andeconomy.
Security was important for a growing economy, he said, adding parliamentarydemocracy could contribute in various ways to boost relations asparliamentarians could easily communicate with each other as compared togovernment’s office holders.
He said he held meetings with President of Pakistan, Senate Chairman andArmy Chief during his visit and held discussions on various issues ofbilateral interest.
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Jean Fournier said Swiss tourism existed because of the natural beauty andmountains bestowed by nature.
He said Pakistan had more natural beauty and as compared to 4000 metreshigh Swiss mountain peaks it had 8000 metres high peaks.
Security, stability and infrastructure were important for growth of tourismand one had to respect the nature to preserve it, he observed.
Speaking on the occasion, the Senate Deputy Chairman said as the 10thbiggest investor in Pakistan, Switzerland held great importance for thecountry.
Appreciating investment of Swiss companies, he said Pakistan wouldfacilitate Swiss investors.
He said, “We look forward to more such visits to Pakistan.”
He said it was easy for parliamentarians to talk to each other as theycould discuss issues which government officials might be reluctant to talkabout.
Earlier, the Swiss delegation witnessed the proceedings of the Senate.
