Events

Bern, Haus der Universität -- When discussing bilateral international relations in such settings, it is customary to pay homage to the time-tested icons of our mutual history, to chart our common experience in order to provide a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities at hand. With some countries in Europe, that common experience has been defined to a great extent by shared experiences in war, reconstruction, and migration. The icons are as diverse as D-day, the Marshall Plan, and the Statue of Liberty.

With Switzerland and the United States, the image of the "Sister Republics" is a frequent reference, reflecting an organic devotion to constitutional, democratic, federal governance that is centuries old. As a relative newcomer to Switzerland - having had the honor and pleasure thus far of living and working here for 18 months – I have observed characteristics of Swiss society and culture that remind me of some of the cherished attributes of my own countrymen. 

Top of this list is the premium placed on independence, balanced by a strong sense of personal responsibility and civic engagement. Perhaps the icon of this characteristic is the Swiss militia tradition – both civil and military – that Americans easily recognize as a fundamental component of our own heritage. At the root of that American tradition is a strong commitment to community, but a desire also to be allowed to lead our lives in peace and with minimal interference from others.

It probably would take much more time than we have here today to discuss the various historical and geographical factors that led the Swiss nation over centuries to adopt a foreign policy of neutrality and that put the United States on a separate trajectory to an activist international agenda with far-flung alliances and security commitments. However, if anything, I believe the post-Cold War era and the emerging challenges of globalization have prompted a steady and accelerating convergence in U.S. and Swiss foreign policy interests. Free of the past bi-polar framework based primarily on security competition, the United States increasingly is looking to broad multilateral initiatives to tackle the growing list of challenges that defy national borders, such as terrorism, non-proliferation, climate change, energy dependence, international crime, and migration. As an outside observer, it appears to me that Switzerland, for its part, is seeking to balance the imperatives of its long-standing policy of neutrality with an increasing desire to contribute a wide range of resources to solving tough problems beyond Swiss borders. The Swiss contribution to the Kosovo peace-keeping force – "KFOR" -- and participation in the International Steering Group for Kosovo are cases in point in which Switzerland is making a remarkable and very valuable contribution to European regional stability.

For people like me, who live and breathe Swiss-U.S. relations, it is only natural to tout emerging opportunities for bilateral cooperation. But beyond the inevitable "cheerleading" that comes with the job, I am genuinely optimistic – indeed very optimistic -- about the road ahead. However, at the same time, to ensure the success of our joint ventures, I believe it essential to avoid overreaching, which can lead to disappointment. It is important that we take a pragmatic approach to what is possible, mindful of the inherent constraints dictated by our domestic political realities and our other international commitments. This does not mean, to my mind, that we should not seek to "push the envelope" of what is possible.

So what is in the "envelope" of United States foreign policy under the stewardship of President Obama? Well, frankly, a lot. From Iraq, to Afghanistan, to halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, defeating terrorism, addressing climate change, and working to stabilize the global financial system, the agenda is broad, deep, and complex. While it is still early days for the new Administration, the President and Secretary Clinton have outlined an ambitious agenda, moved quickly to engage our traditional international partners, appointed several distinguished Americans to serve as Special Envoys to help to tackle some of the most difficult challenges, and signaled the United State's commitment to pursue tough, direct diplomacy with all nations, including long-time foes.

Above all, in moving forward with its foreign policy agenda, the Obama Administration has placed a premium on listening, actively seeking the counsel of partners, and keenly aware that no single country has all the answers to the challenges we face. In that spirit, I will keep my own remarks here today brief, as I believe that I have at least as much to learn from you about U.S.-Swiss relations as I can hope to impart. As Secretary Clinton emphasized to her former U.S. Senate colleagues during her confirmation hearing last January, "America cannot solve the most pressing problems on our own, and the world cannot solve them without America. The best way to advance America's interest in reducing global threats and seizing global opportunities is to design and implement global solutions. This isn't a philosophical point. This is our reality." With so many pressing issues, there inevitably will be the need to establish priorities and sometimes to make tough choices. The White House has summarized the Obama Administration's major foreign policy objectives as "…end[ing] the war in Iraq responsibly, finish[ing] the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, secur[ing] nuclear weapons and loose nuclear materials from terrorists, and renew[ing] American diplomacy to support strong alliances and to seek a lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." 

Inextricably linked to these objectives are numerous vital relationships and initiatives, not least among them efforts to launch a fresh start in U.S.-Russian relations, strengthening existing U.S. Alliances in Europe and Asia, ending human devastation in Darfur, completing the task of stabilizing the Balkans, building on our economic and political partnership with India, and demonstrating leadership on such issues as climate change, renewable energy, and nuclear disarmament.

So where do Swiss-U.S. relations fit into this very full agenda? Nearly everywhere, either directly or indirectly. Though our views on issues sometimes diverge in important ways, in my experience thus far the differences revolve more around strategy, or even tactics, than around the objectives themselves. Given the firm foundation of values we share, and which are reflected in our democratic traditions, our bilateral disagreements rarely are about what needs to be done, but rather are about how to accomplish it.

Moreover, from a global perspective, the United States and Switzerland bring unique and in many ways complementary capabilities to our common table. The United States has the capabilities and influence that flow from networks of Alliances and partnerships on every continent, as well as from its image as an open society, a land of immigration reflecting the full range of human diversity. Among Switzerland's many impressive assets are its reputation for independence, high competence in diplomatic mediation, creativity, and material resources, as well as its abiding humanitarian avocation and extensive presence in multilateral organizations. All of these factors allow Switzerland to play an important role on the international stage. Indeed, the very presence of a "UN city" – Geneva – in Switzerland, dating to a time long before Switzerland opted to join the UN, bears testimony to these attributes, as does Switzerland's heritage as the birthplace and headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross. In light of these factors, I am convinced that when we combine our resources, there is much that we can accomplish together.

One area vital to trans-Atlantic security interests where Swiss-U.S. cooperation has played an important role is the Balkans – most recently, Kosovo. The early, steadfast support that our governments have provided to this new nation following its declaration of independence last year has been essential to ensuring Kosovo continues on a path toward a democratic, multi-ethnic future. The United States appreciates Switzerland's important contributions to Kosovo in the areas of civil reconstruction and peace-keeping. During my relatively brief time here, Kosovo stands out as an issue "ripped from the headlines" in which Swiss-U.S. unity had a positive multiplier effect on the views and actions of other countries whose support is needed to help the people of Kosovo and their neighbors achieve lasting peace and prosperity.

In other important areas, such as non-proliferation, the United States and Switzerland are continuing strong cooperation, such as in the realm of export controls and export policy regimes, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australia Group, Wassenaar Arrangement, and the Missile Technology Control Regime. In September 2007, Switzerland was elected to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, joining the United States and the 33 other countries of the Board in providing policy guidance to the Agency with regard to such critical issues as the Agency's investigation of Iran's nuclear program. This is another venue in which the moral and political impact of our messages are multiplied when we work together, insisting that countries uphold their commitments to nuclear non-proliferation, while seeking ways to enhance cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. In this context, I would underline that the United States believes it essential to have the support of like-minded states for the so-called P5+1 approach to resolving the problem of Iran's nuclear program, and we are pleased to count Switzerland among the supporters.

Another topic that presents emerging opportunities for important Swiss-U.S. cooperation is the detention facility at Guantanamo, which the Obama Administration has pledged to close within a year. The U.S. government very much welcome's the offer of the Swiss government to review cases of specific individuals who may require resettlement assistance. We recognize and appreciate the leading role that Switzerland has demonstrated, and we look forward to working closely with the Swiss as well as our other close friends and Allies to find solutions that will help us close that Guantanamo Bay detention facility.

Though it is not my particular area of expertise at the U.S. embassy, I am pleased to note that Swiss-U.S. economic relations continue to be strong. The United States is the largest foreign investor in Switzerland, and conversely, the largest single destination of Swiss foreign investment. It is estimated that no less than 300,000 American jobs depend on more than $150 billion in Swiss investments in the United States. The leading role of U.S. and Swiss companies in the bio-tech and renewable energy sectors offers fertile terrain for future private sector-led collaboration, innovation, and growth in our economic relations. While "tax haven" and "banking secrecy" topics are demanding much front page attention these days, I am confident that together we can find constructive ways forward, and that the fundamentals of U.S.-Swiss economic relations remain strong.

Another area of opportunity and challenge for our bilateral relations is human rights. As governments deeply dedicated to upholding our international and national human rights obligations, we enjoy a robust and frank dialogue both bilaterally and in the context of international forums. Most of the time, our discussions revolve around third countries, non-state actors, and international institutions. Regarding those institutions, the United States recently made the affirmative decision actively to re-engage in the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. While the United States remains concerned about the politicization of human rights, the Council's repeated singling out of one country, and the Council's failure to address some of the most egregious human rights violations in the world today, our re-engagement is a sign of the commitment of the U.S. Administration to advancing the cause of human rights and strengthening the effectiveness of international institutions. In this, we look forward to working closely with the Swiss government.

Finally, I would not fail to mention an area of ongoing strong Swiss-U.S. cooperation where Swiss colleagues fulfill important duties on behalf of the United States with discretion and great competence – that is Switzerland's role as U.S. Protecting Power in Tehran and Havana. Every day, Swiss colleagues take care of essential consular work, assisting United States citizens and foreign visitors to the United States with a level of professionalism for which Switzerland justifiably can be proud.

In conclusion, before moving on to what I hope will be a dynamic and informal discussion, I would like to commend the Swiss American Society of Bern for this and similar initiatives to promote dialogue and understanding. Promoting security and prosperity, whether at home or in distant lands, demands sacrifice and tradeoffs. Peace and prosperity are not cost-free, we know, but we also know that the benefits for ourselves and for future generations far outweigh those costs. Thus, I would ask that you remain engaged and lend your extraordinary talents and energies to support Swiss-U.S. relations both directly and indirectly, knowing that sometimes we will disagree on issues, but that by working together we can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.