Switzerland to take part for first time in G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers
Bern, 16.01.2013 - This year for the first time, Switzerland will be able to take part in the four G20 meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors. The Russian G20 presidency has sent corresponding invitations to Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and the Swiss National Bank Chairman, Thomas Jordan. Switzerland will also be able to make an active contribution at a technical level in various working groups and preparatory meetings.
Today, Finance Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf informed the Federal Council about the invitation. This year's first meeting of the finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 countries will take place on 15 and 16 February in Moscow. Three others will take place during the meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in April and October in Washington, as well as in July in Moscow. "It is important for Switzerland to be involved at this level. We will make constructive contributions in terms of our know-how as an important financial centre and we will be able to have and increasing influence when weighing up important decisions for the international financial system" said Federal Councillor Widmer-Schlumpf.
As a non-member of the G20, Switzerland had not been represented at the G20 meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors up to now. In the invitation, the Russian G20 presidency refers to the important role Switzerland has to play in the international financial system and its positive and fruitful cooperation within the scope of the bilateral financial dialogue with Russia. Due to its experience, Switzerland can make an important contribution to overcoming global financial challenges.
G20 is the term used for the affiliation of the 20 most important industrialised and developing nations. This body deals in particular with questions of principle to do with the international financial system.
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Mario Tuor, SIF Communications
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Federal Department of Finance
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