Switzerland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
How did you get started being a diplomat?
I was interested in international politics, foreign languages and different cultures at a young age. I always loved travelling and discovering the world. I then studied law with the idea of becoming a diplomat.
When were you posted to Saudi Arabia? How many years have you been in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
I took up my current position in October 2014. I have been lucky enough to witness the developments that have been happening ever since and that are reshaping the Kingdom.
What was your reaction when you were given the assignment to become the ambassador to Saudi Arabia?
I was surprised because I was not familiar with the Middle East, my career having so far focused on the Far East and Latin America. I felt excited because this assignment was a great opportunity to discover a new country and a new region which are crucial to the world. I also felt honored to have been entrusted by my Government with such an important mission.
Tell us about your experiences in being an Ambassador in Saudi Arabia. What does your work entail as an ambassador?
I see my role as being a bridge between the two countries, bringing them closer together and promoting cooperation in a variety of areas. There is a lot of information to be processed, a lot of explanatory work to be done in both directions. Understanding the host country is a basic requirement and maybe the most fascinating aspect of my work.
What is the most challenging part of being an ambassador to Saudi Arabia? What is the most rewarding?
Explaining Saudi Arabia and its particularities to my compatriots is a demanding task, because most Swiss know very little about this country. This is where my role becomes relevant and challenging. It is much easier to explain my country to Saudis given their superior knowledge and their favorable image of my country. Most rewarding is meeting Saudi people, experiencing their warm hospitality and the signs of friendship vis-à-vis Switzerland. My wife and I have made very good and lasting friends in Saudi Arabia.
What is a day of the Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia like?
Surprisingly, life as ambassador in Riyadh is a 24/7 job. It starts early in the morning with the lecture of the media, continues with work at the office and meetings with the staff of the embassy, then meetings in the Ministries, receiving Swiss business representatives, attending ceremonies and celebrations, and almost every day ends with official functions.
What do you like the most about living in DQ?
The DQ is an oasis of comfort, calm and peace; it offers a high quality of life, also – and most importantly! – for the family. I also love the sports club where you can find me almost on a daily basis. I hope that these great facilities of the DQ will be filled with a little bit more life.
Favorite places in Riyadh? Favorite spots in the DQ?
I love Diriyah and its historic touch and the National Museum which is most informative and pedagogic. In the DQ, I love its greenery and the sports club.
Embassy of SwitzerlandP.O. Box 94311 | Riyadh 11693 | Saudi ArabiaContact No.: +966-11-488-1291Email: Rya.vertretung@eda.admin.chWebsite: www.eda.admin.ch/riad
