Keller-Sutter Karin · Ständerat · 2018-09-18

Wortprotokoll

Auf unserer Tribüne hat der Speaker des britischen Unterhauses, John Bercow, Platz genommen. Ich möchte gerne eine kurze Grussadresse in englischer Sprache an ihn und seine Delegation richten.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome to the gallery the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Mr John Bercow. Mr Bercow is accompanied by his secretary, Peter Barratt. I am also delighted to welcome the British Ambassador, Jane Owen. The visit from the Speaker of the House of Commons follows the visit to London in November 2016 by Christa Markwalder, who was National Council President at the time.

Switzerland and the United Kingdom have maintained close relations over many years and share similar ideas in areas such as the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, social and economic order and good governance, with a special focus on economic and financial market issues. Switzerland and the United Kingdom are important to each other as trading partners and have close economic ties. Liberal economic systems and open markets are high priorities for both countries.

The visit from the Speaker of the House of Commons is an honour for the Swiss Parliament and an expression of the excellent and friendly relations between the two countries. We welcome Mr Speaker and his delegation to the Parliament and hope they enjoy their stay in Switzerland. (Applause)