TANZANIA, Dar es Salaam. The Swiss Embassy in Tanzania celebrated the 732nd Swiss Confederation anniversary in Dar es Salaam on Thursday evening.
The well-attended event, and perhaps the colourful, was held at Swiss Residence in Dar es Salaam and attended by representatives from public and private sectors, civil society, international organisations and diplomatic missions, who were hosted by the Switzerland Ambassador to Tanzania, Didier Chassot.
Tanzania’s Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, the event’s official guest, affirmed his government’s commitment to ensure that it remains politically stable for its people to enjoy peace and harmony as it seeks to boost trade and attract more investors from Switzerland and elsewhere.
Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba stated this at the Swiss Residence in Dar es Salaam on Friday evening when Switzerland Embassy in Tanzania was celebrating the Swiss’ 732nd National Day and added that investors are not ready to invest in the country with an unconducive environment for investment.
Dr Mwigulu commended Switzerland for its continued support to Tanzania as a development partner and, increasingly, as a trade and economic partner as he welcomed more investors from Swiss to explore opportunities in the country.
“Over the years, Switzerland has continued to be an important and outstanding development partner to Tanzania by providing assistance to our country in various sectors.
“We are today partnering in various development projects ranging from health, agriculture, education, tourism, trade and investment, community development as well as human resource development,” said the Finance Minister who was a guest of honour at the function.
What does 732nd anniversary of the Swiss Confederation mean?
Prior to Dr Mwigulu’s speech, Swiss Ambassador to Tanzania, Didier Chassot briefed why 732nd anniversary of the Swiss Confederation matters.
“As I mentioned, this year is the Seven hundred thirty second (732) anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. Our actual National Day is the 1st of August, of course, meaning the date when the Federal Pact of twelve hundred ninety-one (1291) was concluded between the representatives of the first three cantons [: Uri, Schwitz and Unterwald, now in Central Switzerland.],” the diplomat said.
According to the envoy, the pact already reveals the ‘political DNA’ of Switzerland with its desire for independence and freedom; its will and ability to resist undue interference, or force; [the ability to build coalitions, and] the importance attached to compromise and to collective and joint action.
He said the fact is also manifested in his country’s readiness and ability to mediate – to find a good understanding, a middle ground and a fair balance; the respect and appreciation for diversity and, to achieve all of the above, the importance of dialogue.
According to Chassot, many things have changed since 1848 but there are issues that have remained unchanged till now. He mentioned them as the commitment to “strengthen liberty, democracy, independence and peace, in a spirit of solidarity and openness towards the world.”
“…the same “determination to live together with [mutual consideration and] respect for [our] diversity”, the awareness of “our responsibility towards future generations”, and the same “knowledge that the Strength of a people is measured by the well-being of its weakest members.”
The envoy insisted that: “every person is equal before the law”, and “no person may be discriminated against.
The diplomat said as his country celebrates the day, there are still a lot of people from different parts of the world who have internally displaced persons, refugees and families torn apart.
In response to such a situation, the diplomat said Switzerland continues its global engagement in favour of peace, humanitarian and refugee law, human rights, prosperity and sustainability.
“In that regard, Switzerland is in particular very much looking forward to co-hosting, in December, together with the UNHCR, the second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva…” he added.
Since 1891, the first of August has been celebrated as the Swiss National Day, the date which refers to a historic alliance concluded in 1291 by the three regions of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden.
The regions joined together and signed the Federal Charter that founded the Swiss Confederation.
This year, Switzerland also celebrates the 175th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Constitution, which was founded in 1848.
Since his country is for ‘a peaceful world’, the envoy stated that Switzerland is looking forward to co-hosting, in December, together with the UNHCR, the second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. This, according to him, will provide a unique platform for governments and other stakeholders to strengthen responses to refugee situations, in support of the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, with a view inter alia to enhance refugee self-reliance, expand access to third country solutions, and support the conditions for voluntary return in safety and in dignity – as it should be.
Swiss and Tanzania
He told participants that Switzerland and Tanzania have developed a strong and mutually beneficial partnership over the past decades.
In that bilateral relation, many good results were achieved over the years varying from agriculture development, health sector support, sexual and reproductive health, civil society empowerment, media development, good governance and the fight against corruption, innovation, skills development, vocational training, arts and culture.
“…we are proud and grateful for this partnership which has contributed to improving the lives of millions of Tanzanians – delivering real, life-changing results and supporting the country in its unique and remarkable journey – difficult at times, as we know, but with many important successes along the way and with a very promising future,” he said.
