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Nuclear Security Summit, Seoul 2012
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter represented Switzerland at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul (26.-27. March 2012). This mega-event (4000 delegates from 58 nations and international organizations, 3700 media representatives, 40’000 security personnel involved) was the follow-up of the Washington Summit of 2010 and addressed the dangers and concrete actions against nuclear terrorism. The main issues during the Summit were security (malicious acts by non-state actors), safety (natural disasters, technical errors) and safeguards (check possible diversion of nuclear material for military purposes by states). In his statement to the assembled world leaders, Federal Councillor Burkhalter stressed that nuclear disarmament is a key element in achieving nuclear security and that the ratification of existing international conventions is the best way for states to demonstrate and live up to their commitments concerning nuclear security.
The Nuclear Security Summit was also an excellent occasion to meet other Heads of Delegations or Foreign Ministers present, establish new contacts and discuss numerous pending issues. Federal Councillor Burkhalter used the Summit for a very intensive series of such meetings and met with more than 10 delegations.
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Bilateral ministerial meeting with Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Before the Nuclear Security Summit, Sunday March 25, Federal Councillor Burkhalter met his Korean counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Kim Sung-Hwan. This meeting was held under special auspices: 50 years of diplomatic relations and our participation the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. Our two nations enjoy strong and friendly relations. There are three main pillars: economy (dynamic development of trade; Free Trade Agreement since 2006), security (NNSC, political engagement to find a peaceful resolution of the conflict on the Korean peninsula) and Science and Technology (bilateral agreement since 2008).
Both sides also welcome the intensification of our political contacts and last year’s resumption of a political dialogue between the two Ministries. Other areas for more intensive co-operation are Green Growth: a partnership of Switzerland with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) in Seoul is planned.
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Visit at Panmunjom
On Monday March 26, just before the start of the Summit, Federal Councillor Burkhalter and his delegation visited the DMZ and our NNSC delegation in Panmunjom. The Federal Councillor was impressed and noted with concern the current stalemate and almost complete lack of contacts and co-operation between the parties involved. He highly appreciated the work and engagement of the NNSC, in particular also of the Swiss delegation, led by Major General Urs Gerber. The UNCMAC (United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission) representatives from the USA and the Republic of Korea expressed to the Federal Councillor their gratitude for the strong commitment, independence and positive role that NNSC plays for the armistice on the Korean peninsula.
In 2013 we will celebrate 60 years of our presence in the NNSC. More than 1000 Swiss military officers have served in Panmunjom during this period.
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Participation at the events of Swiss Weeks in Seoul
Federal Councillor Burkhalter took part during his visit in Seoul at the closing night of the “Swiss Nights of Sound & Lights”. This event together with a Swiss Design exhibition was presented during 4 days outside and inside the Sejong Center of Performing Arts and was one of the highlights of the cultural program “Swiss Weeks in Seoul”.
After delivering a speech at the VIP reception organized in his honor at the Sejong Center Hall, Mr. Burkhalter and his spouse took a tour of the Swiss Design Exhibition “Design Prize Switzerland 2011”. The entertainment on that evening included the performances of the Swiss Jazz group Albin Brun Alpin Ensemble and the Korean Alpinrose Children's Yodel Choir.
Representatives of a Basle Carnival troupe accompanied in full costumes Federal Councillor Burkhalter and the guests to the presentation of the 3D lightshow on the facade of the Sejong Center. This innovative lightshow made especially for Korea served as an introduction to the Seoulites for the themes of the Swiss Pavilion at the Expo 2012 Yeosu which will open next May 12th.
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To commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Korea, and on the occasion of Switzerland’s participation in the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, Switzerland is presenting the “Swiss Weeks in Seoul”. Until April 2012, the “Swiss Weeks in Seoul” will feature various events in Swiss Art & Culture, Design, Sustainability as well as Innovation to introduce diverse aspects and less commonly known sides of Switzerland. 
Flyer for full program (pdf, 681 Kb)
22.-25.03.2012 Nights of Sound and Lights
Clips of the event:
- Federal Councillor Burkhalter at the “Swiss Nights of Sound & Lights”
- Presentation of the 3D Lightshow at Sejong Center
22.03.-06.05.2012 Exhibition "Design Prize Switzerland'
03.04.2012 Symposium "Drivers of Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship"
12.-13.04.2012 Swiss Films in Seoul (Information in English & Korean)
For detail information: Swisspavilion & Swisspavilion on Facebook
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In the context of the Swiss Weeks in Seoul, a symposium was held on April 3 at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU). The symposium focused on „Drivers of Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Korean and Swiss Initiatives in the New World of Business“ and was co-organized with the School of Management and Law, ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences), represented by its Dean Prof. André Haelg. The purpose of the symposium was to raise the awareness of students on the subject of green innovation and sustainability but also motivate them to become drivers of green innovation themselves. Two leading experts in the field, Dr. Syn Mijoo of Samsung and Mr. Nick Beglinger, President of Swisscleantech held presentations and were able to demonstrate how green innovation is fostered and implemented in today’s business world. A lively group discussion followed.
Through an ideas competition, students of SKKU had the opportunity to present their ideas on green innovation and show their vision on how to make life at SKKU greener. The ideas presented were not only innovative but often simple in their implementation and hugely effective. The winners of the contest were invited on a study trip to Switzerland.
On May 15, a correspondent symposium will be held in Winterthur at the School of Management ZHAW with prominent speakers (Gerold Bührer, President Economiesuisse, Martin Dahinden, SDC Director, Dong-Ok Cha, Vice-president of SKKU) and also Kim Jong-Il, Ambassador of Republic of Korea in Switzerland.
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Artists : Luc Aubort, The Chapuisat Brothers, Franziska Furter, Adrien Missika
Exhibits : Around 30 art works including site-specific installations, drawings, objet, video works
Organized by : SongEun Art and Cultural Foundation
Supported by : Embassy of Switzerland in Korea, Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, Swiss Cultural Fund, FDFA (Presence Switzerland)
SongEun ArtSpace
118-2 Chungdam-Dong Gangnam-Gu, Seoul
Tel. 02-3448-0100 Fax. 02-3448-0105
Exhibition Hours :Monday – Saturday 11:00-19:00, Closed Sundays / Free Admissions
For further information: www.songeunartspace.org
Information about Swiss Talks Program and other fun activities in English (pdf, 796 Kb) or Korean (pdf, 1321 Kb)
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The World Expo with the theme 'The Living Ocean and Coast' will be held from May 12 to August 12 in the South Korean coastal city of Yeosu. The exposition site is situated in an old harbour basin in Yeosu. The Expo 2012 fits in well with South Korea's efforts to increase its international profile in the area of sustainability with the organisers expecting around 8 million visitors, of who 500,000 will come from abroad.
The Swiss presence in South Korea will be taking the form of a Swiss Pavilion on the theme 'The Source'. Visitors to the Swiss Pavilion at the World Expo 2012 can look forward to an entertaining voyage of discovery with interactive and informative elements on the theme of water. The Swiss presence will focus on interdependence, offer food for thought and show solutions for a better, healthier and more sustainable future. A major event will be the official Swiss Yeosu Nation Day on May 21.
For more information: Swiss Pavilion
On March 13-14 the third Joint Committee Meeting on the Korea-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was held in Seoul. The EFTA delegation comprised representatives from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and the EFTA Secretariat and was led by Ambassador Didier Chambovey, (Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs). The Korean delegation was led Mr. Lee Yun-young, Director General for FTA Negotiations, MOFAT. The Joint Committee reviewed the status in several fields, especially customs and origin matters, trade in goods, trade in services and government procurement. Both sides agreed on the positive impact of the FTA on bilateral trade and economic co-operation. The potential for a further expansion and deepening of trade and economic relations between Korea and EFTA is there and EFTA can benefit from the long experience and good relations with Korea as we are free trade partners for more than 5 years.
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On February 25, the Swiss Education Fair was held for the first time in D Cube city, Seoul. Organized by SBH Korea, under the motto “The Excellence in Hotel Management & Private Boarding Schools”. A total of 14 Swiss or Switzerland based Schools (Hotel schools, boarding school and a University) participated in the event.
The well attended event successfully promoted Swiss education by underscoring Switzerland’s outstanding qualities in terms of education. Swiss Education Fair Seoul 2012
Information in Korean (pdf, 133 Kb) or in English (pdf, 105 Kb)
Special reports about Korea were published in Handelszeitung, on March 15, 2012. This special insert supports two events which Osec is going to conduct in the World Trade Tower in Zurich on April 26th and in Lausanne on May 2nd. MEM industries and ICT will be the main sectors featured with the aim to show opportunities for Swiss companies to develop their businesses in Korea. Handelszeitung 15.03.2012
(pdf, 2913 Kb)
The following links to Osec website features interviews by the Swiss Business Hub in Seoul, Mr. Claudio Mazzucchelli and Mrs. Okjeong Baik's.
On February 22 the change of Command of the Head of the Swiss Delegation to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) took place at the Yongsan Army base.
After more than four years of dedicated services to the NNSC, Maj. General Jean-Jacques Joss relinquished his command to Maj. General Urs Gerber during a ceremony high in colors and emotions. Maj. General Joss will be missed in Korea but will remain in close contact with the country as he has been named President of the Swiss-Korean Association in Switzerland. We wish Maj. Gen. Joss, his spouse Christine and their Korea born daughter Noel all the Best in Switzerland and welcome Maj. Gen. Gerber in his new position.
Every year around March 20 the French language is celebrated by the Francophonie in the world. This year in Korea the Embassy of Switzerland invited a Swiss French Duo “Laurent Brunetti & Mario Pacchioli” for two concerts in Sookmyung Women University on April 5 and in Busan Lotte Concert Hall on the 6. The duo impressed the public not only with their interpretation of famous French standards by Piaf, Brel, Bécaud etc. but with some beautiful original compositions. As opening group “Raoul & the Xpats” offered the audience a very colorful and lively show. Mr. Raoul Imbach, Cultural Counsellor showed once more his talents as a singer and songwriter in addition to his daily skills to organized and promote Swiss Culture in Korea.
Extracts of the Busan concert: part 1 & part 2
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In the beginning of February 2012, the ZHdK Strings toured Korea. This young and dynamic ensemble composed of 13 of the best students from concert and soloists classes of the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) was founded by Professor of violin Rudolf Koelman in 2005. The ZHdK Strings have already performed at various festivals and concert halls in Italy and Switzerland.
Young soloist Dong-Hwan Yoon, who is about to start his career in his home-country, was supported by a young ensemble of 13 students of 10 different nationalities during 3 concerts in Seoul, Incheon and Jeonju. The ensemble enthused the audience with music by Swiss composer Conrad Zwicky, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Adam Skoumal and Marco Encrico Bossi.
On February 8 a delegation led by Michael Eidenbenz, Director Department of Music ZHdK, met at the Swiss Embassy with the Ambassador Thomas Kupfer and representatives of the Swiss Embassy for a very interesting exchange of ideas and experiences.
Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Mrs. Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch paid an official visit to Korea from 14th to 15th November 2011. She was accompanied by a business delegation which included representatives of Swiss Business Associations, Osec (Swiss Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), economiesuisse and the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce as well as from the Swiss companies ABB, Buhler, Novartis, Roche and UBS. Prominent member of the delegation was also Mrs. Ruth Metzler-Arnold, Chairwoman of the Board of Osec and former Swiss Minister of Justice.
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The whole delegation met with Mr. Choi Seok-Young, Deputy Minister for Trade, and had a discussion about Korea’s business environment, in particular regarding the pharmaceutical industry and taxation. The official delegations exchanged views on bilateral trade issues like customs and rules of origin, and how to adjust EFTA/ROK-Swiss FTA.
The State Secretary then met with Dr. Kim Choong-soo, Governor of the Bank of Korea, to discuss about the economic and monetary situation which both countries are facing, and with Dr. Lee Jong-Wha, Senior Advisor to the President for the International Economy and G-20 Sherpa, to share their understandings on recent developments in the global economy and the latest G20 summit in Cannes.
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At the business luncheon at the Ambassador’s residence, Mr. Hee Beom Lee, Chairman STX Heavy Industry and Construction and other distinguished personalities (see photo) delivered highly informative briefings to the delegation about the Korean economy, the government’s policies on business, Korea’s efforts to enhance its profile, and chances for further Swiss-Korea partnerships.
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At the dinner event jointly organized by the Swiss-Korea Business Council (SKBC) and the Swiss Embassy, State Secretary Ineichen and Deputy Minister for Trade Choi shared their thoughts with more than 60 participants on bilateral economic relations after 5 years of EFTA/Swiss-ROK FTA and wished for continuing strengthening cooperation.
At a meeting with EUCCK President Mr. Jean-Luc Valerio members of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea, Mr. Juergen Koenig, President Merck Korea, gave the Swiss delegation an insight into the Korean pharmaceuticals / biotechnology market and allowed the delegation an excellent opportunity to understand how European partners see the business environment in Korea, also in the environment/energy industry.
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Mrs. Metzler-Arnold, Chairwoman of Osec and Mr. Oh Sung-Keun, Senior Executive Vice President of KOTRA (Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) signed a MOU to enhance further and deepen their cooperation. There the delegation met also with Commissioner Hank Ahn, Invest Korea and agreed to promote further bilateral mutual investments in both countries.
The delegation wrapped up their trip to Korea by visiting Panmunjom and the Swiss NNSC Delegation.
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Last modification: 18.04.2012