Switzerland and Egypt Celebrate 90 Years of Friendship with Cultural Finale on the Nile

On the evening of 19 June 2025, the Embassy of Switzerland in Egypt hosted the grand closing ceremony to mark the year-long celebration commemorating the 90th anniversary of the historic ‘Friendship Treaty’ between Switzerland and Egypt and to celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The landmark occasion brought together more than 300 distinguished guests — including government officials, artists, business leaders, academics, media, and members of the Swiss and Egyptian communities — for an inspiring cultural celebration along the Nile.

Held at the Dahab Island Palace, the celebration honored the enduring bilateral ties since the signing of the Friendship Treaty in 1934 and the opening of Switzerland’s first representation in Cairo in 1935. Over the past year, the Swiss Embassy has hosted a diverse program of cultural and diplomatic events, spanning exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, and innovation-focused forums — all symbolizing the strength, resilience, and forward-looking nature of Swiss-Egyptian relations.

The event served not as an ending but as a continuation of a shared story — a sentiment echoed by the Ambassador of Switzerland in Egypt, Dr. Andreas Baum in his remarks when he noted that “This is not a breakup party. On the contrary, it’s more like renewing our vows.”

The year-long anniversary program, launched with a striking Saype land art fresco near the Pyramids of Giza in June 2024, has reflected the depth and diversity of the bilateral relationship — spanning culture, economic cooperation, archaeology, sustainability, and people-to-people connections. From jazz festivals and chocolate workshops to archaeological showcases, the series of events highlighted what the Ambassador described as “a friendship built on shared values: trust, innovation, cultural, respect and a good sense of humor.”

The closing event featured an immersive artistic program, including a photography exhibition showcasing Swiss and Egyptian perspectives, a musical performance, and interactive experiences reflecting Egyptian story telling through Swiss lenses. Guests were also treated to a culinary journey blending Swiss and Egyptian flavors, while a striking visual ambiance, featuring projections, brought together a timeline depicting the chronological highlights of this friendship.

In his closing remarks, the Ambassador emphasized the significance of the 90-year journey and acknowledged the continuing relevance of the bilateral partnership in addressing global and regional challenges. He also paid tribute to the individuals who made the event possible, highlighting the leadership and creativity of women who were at the heart of its organization — from artists and musicians to producers and curators.

Reflecting Switzerland’s enduring humanitarian values, the speech also acknowledged the ongoing complexities of the current regional context, reaffirming a shared hope that the coming decades would bring peace, dignity, justice and adherence to international law.

As the 90th anniversary celebrations draw to a close, the Embassy of Switzerland looks forward to deepening its multifaceted partnership with Egypt in the years ahead — building on a legacy of cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual respect.