OSCE Academy Welcomed Head of the Eurasia Division FDFA Switzerland

On 13 November 2025, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek welcomed a delegation from Switzerland, headed by H.E. Ambassador Pierre-Yves Fux, Assistant State Secretary, Head of the Eurasia Division at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Marina Rieder, Deputy Regional Coordinator for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Siroco Messerli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Andres Müller, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland in Kyrgyzstan, and Dr. Renaud Vuignier, Head of Domain at the Embassy of Switzerland in Kyrgyzstan.

The delegation was received by Dr. Pal Dunay, Director of the OSCE Academy, Dr. Shairbek Dzhuraev, Deputy Director, Dr. Emil Dzhuraev, Senior Lecturer for Politics and Security, Dr. Sebastian Mayer, DAAD Associate Professor, and Ms. Victoria Orazova, Head of the International Department.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the Academy’s programmes, its research activities and the areas where the Academy contributes to the collective intellectual output in Kyrgyzstan and the region. Moreover, the sides talked about the continuous support by Switzerland and the upcoming Swiss chairpersonship with particular emphasis on the challenges the Academy continues to face, and where the support of Switzerland as chair will be essential. The Academy expressed its thanks to Switzerland for its unceasing close attention to the Academy both in Bern and Vienna, and also in Bishkek, where the relations are particularly intensive between the embassy and the OSCE Academy. 

After meeting the Academy’s staff, Ambassador Fux met with the students of the OSCE Academy. He delivered a presentation on “Swiss Neutrality – Challenges and Opportunities” addressing some of the delicate matters a permanently neutral state faces in its choices, the way it makes its mark and contributes to universal peace and reconciliation. The audience also received insights into the forthcoming Swiss federal referendum on neutrality in 2026. The presentation was followed by an engaging discussion, during which students had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange views with the Ambassador comparing Swiss neutrality with that of other states, and Switzerland’s agenda for the forthcoming chairpersonship.

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