BERN — As part of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s working visit to Switzerland, the official opening ceremony of the Republic of Armenia’s resident embassy in Bern took place on March 12. The event was attended by Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation.
The Armenian national flag was raised in front of the embassy building, located in the heart of Bern’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The national anthems of Armenia and Switzerland were performed, and following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the embassy was officially inaugurated.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis delivered welcoming and congratulatory remarks during the ceremony.
Minister Mirzoyan emphasized:
“While our longstanding presence in Geneva has already helped establish strong political dialogue, relocating our bilateral embassy to the capital of Switzerland is an important step in the development of our bilateral relations and symbolizes our shared commitment to continuously strengthening friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis noted:
“Having a presence in the federal capital will allow for closer cooperation between our institutions and further strengthen relations between our two countries.”
Cassis also referred to a traditional custom of welcoming a new home with bread and salt:
“In many traditions, a new home is welcomed with bread and salt. Bread symbolizes stability and continuity, while salt represents flavor and, traditionally, protection. In this spirit, I warmly invite all of you to share bread and salt with us.”
Following the speeches, the foreign ministers of Armenia and Switzerland, along with guests of the event, shared the traditional “bread and salt” offered at the embassy.
