European Defence Agency (EDA) Chief Executive Claude-France Arnould visited Switzerland on 5-6 November, upon invitation by the National Armaments Director of Switzerland.
This was the first visit by the EDA Chief Executive following the signing of a Framework of Cooperation between the Agency and Switzerland in 2012. During the two day visit Ms Arnould had a formal meeting with Swiss Minister of Defence Ueli Maurer, as well as exchanging views with the Chief of the Armed Forces, Chief of the Air Force, the Head of Armasuisse and other Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials.
The main objective of the visit was to identify concrete areas for future Swiss participation in cooperative projects with EDA Member States. The meetings were positive, showing potential on cooperation within key domains of importance for the Swiss MoD such as Reseach and Technology, training and education, armaments and logistics. This was reinforced in Ms Arnould speech to a Conference organised by the Swiss MoD and the Swiss industry with the theme: "Les possibilités de coopération entre la Suisse et l’ Agence européenne de défense (AED)." (Possibilities of cooperation between Switzerland and EDA).
Alongside formal meetings, Ms Arnould also visited Swiss industry, to develop a better understanding regarding the technological and industrial capabilities of Switzerland, and a Swiss Air-Force Base for Pilot Training.
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