The President of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev, tours Central Switzerland

At the Suvorov Monument in the Schöllenen Gorge, which was erected in the memory of the Russian soldiers who crossed the Alps in 1799 led by Marshall Alexander Suvorov, the two presidents were welcomed by the local authorities and the Suvorov Cadets Choir. President Medvedev gave a speech to commemorate this historic event.

After a short tour of Lake Lucerne by steam boat, President Medvedev and President Merz travelled to Schwyz to visit the Federal Charter Museum. The Russian President was welcomed by the "Landaman" (president of the State Council) of the Canton of Schwyz, Mr Georg Hess, and the local authorities. After hearing about the origin of the Federal Charter and the history of the Swiss Confederation, the local authorities presented Mr Medvedev with an 18th century Russian sabre that was found in the canton after Marshall Suvorov's army crossed the Alps.

The Russian President and his wife left Switzerland at the end of the afternoon from Zurich-Kloten Airport.

Further information:

FDFA special webpage on the State visit: Speeches and Fact Sheet on signed agreements
FDF special webpage on the State visit

Address for enquiries:

Tanja Kocher, FDF, +41 79 703 49 88

Publisher:

Federal Chancellery
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Federal Department of Finance