As an official diplomatic mission, the Swiss Embassy in Russia deals with the full range of issues that are part of diplomatic relations. The diplomatic mission resolves issues of economic, scientific, diplomatic, legal, financial and interaction, as well as cultural and educational exchange.
Brief history of bilateral relations
Diplomatic relations between the countries began with the presentation of credentials by Russian attorney John Kapodistrias to the Swiss authorities in 1814. However, the first Swiss embassy in Russia appeared much later.
The Russian Revolution did not cause a break in diplomatic ties, although Switzerland did not recognize the USSR. In this strange form, relations lasted until 1923, when they were interrupted due to the murder of the Soviet ambassador in the Alpine republic. They were renewed only in 1946.
After the collapse of the USSR
The Swiss Confederation recognized Russia as the rightful successor of the Soviet Union and continued to develop and deepen bilateral relations.
It is worth paying tribute to the attention that the Swiss Embassy in Russia pays to economic issues and trade relations. Largely due to the emphasis on economic cooperation, bilateral interaction has not known strong downturns, despite the occasional political turmoil.
Total trade between the countries is 11.1 billion dollars, and a significant part of Russian exports were mineral products such as precious stones, metals and products from them.
Switzerland's role in peacekeeping
Because of its neutral status, Switzerland can maintain constructive relations with a variety of partners and thus contribute to conflict resolution.
For example, after a short military conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, the two countries stopped diplomatic communication, but issues that need to be resolved have not disappeared.
In order to promote the minimum necessary exchange of information between the two countries and protect the rights of civilians, sections of interest were created at the embassies of countries based on Swiss diplomatic missions.
The Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia deals with consular issues, legalization of documents and registration of acts. Russian visas forTbilisi are issued, however, in a separate visa center.
The Swiss Embassy in Russia also has a section of Georgian interests, which is located in the building of the former Georgian Embassy. The section also deals with consular issues, but not the issuance of visas, since Georgia unilaterally canceled them for Russians.
Embassy of Switzerland in Russia. Address
For more than a century of the existence of the embassy, it has changed its address. Until July 1, the diplomatic mission was located in Ogorodnaya Sloboda Lane, but later moved to the building of the former Zimbabwean embassy.
The current address of the Swiss Embassy in Russia is as follows: Moscow, Serpov pereulok, 6. However, for visa issues, please contact the Consular Section and the Visa Application Center located on Prechistenskaya Embankment, 31.
