President Pirc Musar seeks new investment in Slovenia during official visit to Switzerland

During their talks, the presidents reaffirmed the excellent and friendly relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the intensive political dialogue, successful economic cooperation and the many close interpersonal ties between their citizens. They agreed that this cooperation represents an example of a successful European partnership based on the pooling of knowledge, research excellence and industrial investment, creating a solid foundation for the further development of innovation and high-tech solutions in Europe.

Talks focused on economic cooperation. Switzerland is one of Slovenia's most important economic partners; trade between the two countries increased by 18 per cent in 2025, reaching EUR 52.3 billion. This has established Switzerland as Slovenia's leading trading partner in terms of goods. Swiss imports from Slovenia also increased to CHF 25.89 billion last year, which represents a 48 per cent increase. President Pirc Musar emphasised the importance of Swiss investment in the Slovenian pharmaceutical industry and expressed her satisfaction with the expansion of Novartis' and Sandoz's presence in Slovenia in recent years. She said that Slovenia remains an open and reliable partner for new investment, particularly in the fields of advanced technologies, research, innovation and high-value-added projects. This is also why tomorrow’s programme in Switzerland will focus on meetings with three leading global pharmaceutical companies, visiting Novartis, Sandoz and Roche in Basel.

Slovenia and Switzerland also share a long-standing tradition of environmental responsibility, with key areas of cooperation continuing to include the circular economy, sustainable water management and improving quality of life for young people in the Alpine region. As strong partners in the Alpine region, they work together closely within the framework of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), the Alpine Convention, and the Quadrilateral Initiative (Slovenia–Switzerland–Austria–Liechtenstein). On this occasion, the Slovenian President thanked Switzerland for its support under the Second Swiss Contribution for 2019–2029, worth CHF 16 million, which enabled the implementation of measures under the programme aimed at increasing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy sources, as well as initial investment in the decarbonisation of Slovenia. 

The two leaders also exchanged views on current international issues, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the future of the European Union, EU enlargement, security issues and the situation in the Western Balkans. President Pirc Musar said that Slovenia greatly appreciates Switzerland's efforts to promote stability and development in the Western Balkans and highlighted the importance of maintaining the region's European perspective as a key factor for reform and stability.

Particular attention in the discussion was devoted to multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, where both countries hold similar views and positions on key global challenges. Slovenia and Switzerland are looking forward to continuing their cooperation within the UN Human Rights Council in 2026 and 2027, particularly with regard to the right to a healthy environment and the rights of older people. The Slovenian President congratulated Switzerland on the successful conclusion of its Presidency of the UN Human Rights Council in 2025 and emphasised that Slovenia will continue to act as a unifying and constructive member of the international community.

During her visit, President Pirc Musar will also meet with the President of the National Council, Pierre-André Page, and representatives of the Swiss-Slovenian friendship group. She will conclude her visit in Bern by meeting with the representatives of the Slovenian community in Switzerland.