Swiss envoy says Kashmir mountains 'wonderfully similar' to Switzerland
Srinagar, May 28
Swiss Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Maya Tissafi, on Thursday said Kashmir's breathtaking mountains felt "wonderfully similar" to Switzerland, as she highlighted ongoing cooperation and future collaboration opportunities in the region.
Currently on a visit to Kashmir, Maya Tissafi said on X, "The breathtaking mountains of #Kashmir feel wonderfully familiar to a Swiss. In #Srinagar, I had insightful discussions with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and former Minister @sajadlone on the region's development priorities and future opportunities. Swiss expertise is already contributing to Kashmir's growth story - from infrastructure projects and hydropower technology to innovation in high-altitude climate studies and dairy farming."
"We also explored opportunities for future collaboration in vocational training, hospitality, food processing and tourism. "A memorable introduction to the spirit of Kashmir, including the beautiful Nishat Garden," she added
People's Conference (PC) president and MLA, Sajad Lone, reposted on his X page saying, "The Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Maya Jaouhari Tissafi, called on J&K Peoples Conference Chief @sajadlone in Srinagar. They exchanged views on various issues. Media Secretary with the President @Danish__Iqbal was also present on the occasion".
Maya Tissafi is the Swiss ambassador to India and Bhutan. She assumed her position in Delhi in September 2024. Maya Tissafi has more than 30 years of experience working in diplomacy, peacebuilding and development across different regions.
She joined the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in 2002 and has since held various functions, serving with the title of Ambassador since 2011. From 2019 to 2024, she served as Assistant Secretary of State for the Middle East and North Africa Division at the State Department, holding the title of Ambassador.
In July 2015, she was appointed as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and in November 2017, she additionally assumed the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Bahrain as well as Permanent Representative to IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency), based in Abu Dhabi.
In 2011, she became Head of Corporate Domain South Cooperation (Africa, Asia, MENA, South America) and Director General In-Charge of SDC with the title of Ambassador.
Before that, she led the Eastern and Southern Africa Division (2008 - 2011), the Social Development Division (2006 - 2008), and the Governance Division, first as Deputy Head and Gender Advisor and later as Head (2002 - 2005).
— IANS
Reader Comments
My family visited Kashmir last year and honestly, the mountains are world-class. Switzerland has great infrastructure for tourism, I hope Kashmir develops similar facilities while preserving its natural beauty.
Swiss expertise in hydropower and high-altitude climate studies could be very useful for Kashmir. But I wish we also focus on developing local talent rather than just depending on foreign collaborations. Make in India, but also learn from the best!
Beautiful comparison, but let's be honest - our pahadis and local cuisine are far better than Swiss fondue! 😉 Jokes apart, Switzerland's vocational training system is world-famous. If we can replicate that for Kashmiri youth, it would be a game-changer.
Good diplomatic outreach. But I hope this isn't just photo-op diplomacy. Kashmir needs concrete action on infrastructure and job creation, not just nice tweets. The hospitality and food processing sectors have huge potential if properly developed.
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