Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard has said Switzerland would be keen to continue working with Bangladesh to increase farmers’ socio-economic resilience against extreme climatic risks and disaster exposures.

She said Switzerland commends Bangladesh's development journey including the agricultural sector's achievements despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also highlighted that Switzerland has a solid focus on supporting inclusive development in the country.

The envoy said that she saw the potential for more engagement of both public and private actors to work for the underprivileged women and men, also in the hard-to-reach areas.

Ambassador Chuard met Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque at his office on Wednesday.

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The longstanding and expanding partnership between Bangladesh and Switzerland in a wide range of areas, including in the agricultural sector, was at the centre of their discussion.

Switzerland has been supporting many innovative projects in Bangladesh with strong agricultural links.

She also informed the Minister about the substantial role the Swiss businesses play in Bangladesh’s food and beverage value chains, which are vital in ensuring food security and safety.

Ambassador Chuard mentioned that the world is faced with unprecedented challenges.

"One crisis has collided with the next, with the pandemic and Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Switzerland has condemned Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms," she said.

Switzerland has decided to adopt the EU sanctions against Russia and thus strengthen their impact, said the Ambassador.

As a development partner, Switzerland has been supporting various agricultural sectors in Bangladesh for a long time. Projects and interventions funded by Switzerland have benefited around 3.5 million farmers since 2004 and Switzerland is committed to working further with Bangladesh in the framework of its new Country Program 2022-2025.