Switzerland

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Our relationship with Switzerland

New Zealand and Switzerland have a friendly, long-standing relationship. 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. There are some 800 New Zealanders living in Switzerland, and around 7,100 Swiss nationals living in New Zealand (2020, latest data pre-COVID). Before the pandemic, more than 20,000 Swiss citizens visited New Zealand each year.

We have regular contact through the UN and other international organisations, and official visits are increasing. We have common values and share similar positions on such issues as the environment and climate change, human rights, disarmament and non-proliferation.

New Zealand and Switzerland have close education and cultural exchanges. Scholars and artists from New Zealand can apply to the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation for Government Excellence Scholarships. Some New Zealand and Swiss universities have bilateral exchange agreements and projects and several Swiss museums have hosted exhibitions showcasing New Zealand arts and culture.

Trade

New Zealand’s trade with Switzerland is available on the New Zealand Trade Dashboard(external link).

Embassies

Recent official visits

New Zealand to Switzerland

  • 2016: Hon Anne Tolley, Minister for Social Development visited Switzerland
  • 2014: Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Justice visited Switzerland
  • 2006: Rt Hon Winston Peter, Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Switzerland

Switzerland to New Zealand

  • 2023: Ignazio Cassis, Minister of Foreign Affairs visited New Zealand
  • 2014: Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, State Secretary for Economic Affairs visited New Zealand
  • 2013: Didier Burkhalter, Minister of Foreign Affairs visited New Zealand

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