The tasks of the embassy

In its function as the official representation of Switzerland, the Embassy carries out a wide range of activities covering all the thematic fields of diplomatic relations between the governments of Senegal, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Mauritania. It represents Switzerland's interests in the fields of politics, economics, finance, law, science, education and culture.

The Embassy supports cooperation between Switzerland and these six accreditation countries. To do this, it is important to maintain close contacts with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy and Technical Affairs.

The Embassy promotes the Swiss economy in Senegal, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Mauritania, as well as Swiss exports and tourism. It establishes contacts with Swiss business circles and provides them with general and legal information on the economy of these countries. It monitors the economic and political situation there and reports on developments of interest from a Swiss perspective.

The Embassy promotes cooperation in the fields of science, technology and education, with a particular focus on strengthening collaboration between Switzerland and these six countries in the areas of research and innovation. It encourages the exchange of ideas between scientific institutions and universities. The Embassy also provides support to Swiss students in these countries and seeks to bring to Switzerland researchers from Senegal, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Mauritania who have the right profile to join a Swiss university.

In cultural matters, the Embassy strives to promote mutual understanding and implement Switzerland's cultural policy. In particular, it strengthens contacts with and between the relevant cultural institutions of Switzerland and the six accreditation countries or artists. It provides support to Swiss artists who wish to present their work in these countries. The events organized by the Embassy or with its support aim to ensure greater visibility for Switzerland's cultural activities and to build bridges between different cultures.

In the media field, the Embassy acts as an interface between the Swiss government and the official representations in these six countries, on the one hand, and the national and international media present there, on the other. It supports the activities of journalists working for the Swiss media.