The Isle of Man is continuing to strengthen its political and economic relations with other nations as part of a targeted international engagement programme.
 
Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK this week welcomed His Excellency Dominik Furgler, Ambassador for Switzerland to the United Kingdom, on a two-day visit to the Island.
 
Ambassador Furgler was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Hayam Furgler, and Rebekka Benesch, 1st Secretary for Financial and Fiscal Affairs.
 
The Swiss delegation gained an overview of the Isle of Man’s diverse economy, culture and constitutional position during meetings with the Chief Minister, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK, Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK and senior officers.
 
The visit continued the Isle of Man Government’s policy of positive engagement with other countries in order to promote a deeper understanding of the Island and its role within the global community.
 
It also supported efforts to raise further awareness of the Island and highlight our strengths and business propositions within Europe and further afield.
 
The Chief Minister said: ‘I was pleased to welcome the Ambassador to the Isle of Man and I look forward to further enhancing our relationship with Switzerland in the future. We held a series of very positive and productive discussions in which we explored a number of opportunities to develop mutually beneficial links between our two nations. We both have highly developed financial industries and we were able to share views on a range of related issues, including the latest developments in international standards and regulation.’
 
As well as attending a number of official engagements, Ambassador Furgler was given a guided tour of the legislative buildings by Clare Christian MLC, President of Tynwald, and took the opportunity to experience the Isle of Man’s unique culture by taking in a number of Manx National Heritage sites.