Ambassador Mavromichalis says farewell to Switzerland and Liechtenstein

On 25 August, Ambassador Mavromichalis personally bid farewell to over a hundred guests from the diplomatic corps, the federal administration, the cantons, academia, civil society and the media at a concert held in his honour at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum in Bern. The evening, accompanied by the lively rhythms of South American music, ended with a reception at the European Union residence.

In his farewell speech, Ambassador Mavromichalis passed review the five years of his mandate in Bern. This period was marked by the pandemic, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the resurgence of power politics on the international stage — but also by significant progress in EU-Swiss relations, with decisive steps taken towards a new package of bilateral agreements. He stressed the eminent importance of stable and regulated relations among like-minded European neighbours, especially in view of the current geopolitical shifts. 

Visibly moved, Ambassador Mavromichalis thanked all the people in Switzerland and Liechtenstein who had welcomed him over the past years, stressing that dialogue is the key to better mutual understanding. He greatly appreciated these exchanges, as well as his visits to the 26 Swiss cantons and the municipalities of the Principality of Liechtenstein. He particularly valued his encounters with young people, to whom he always conveyed the same message: be active citizens, get involved, participate, and stand up for your convictions. His speech was met with a standing ovation.