The picturesque alpine resort of Davos Klosters witnessed the 69th annual UK-Switzerland Parliamentary Ski Race. This event, celebrated as the longest-running inter-parliamentary sporting competition in the world, provided a unique backdrop for fostering bilateral relations.
His Excellency Mr. Markus Leitner, the Ambassador of Switzerland to the UK, described his involvement in the event as one of his “more unusual tasks” as an ambassador. Taking to Twitter, Mr. Leitner shared his enthusiasm for the occasion: “Opening the annual 🇬🇧-🇨🇭 Parliamentary ski race in @DavosKlosters together with my 🇬🇧 colleague @JamesWSquire. A unique opportunity to celebrate the 🇬🇧-🇨🇭 friendship, strengthen bilateral relations & conduct ski lift diplomacy”.
The UK’s Ambassador to Switzerland, His Excellency Mr. James Squire, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the event in strengthening ties between the two nations. “Wonderful to be taking part in the 69th 🇬🇧 – 🇨🇭 Parliamentary Ski Race,” he tweeted, adding that it’s a “valuable opportunity to discuss common priorities & strengthen links between parliaments of both countries.”
This year’s race saw Swiss parliamentarians reclaim the title, with National Councillors Barbara Schaffner and Marc Jost leading the charge. Mr. Squire extended his congratulations, writing, “Congratulations to NR @BaSchaffner & @marcjost on their victories & regaining the title for Switzerland!”
Barbara Schaffner, who emerged victorious in the race, responded warmly to the congratulations, expressing gratitude for the ambassador’s presence and their contributions to the competition. “Thank you very much for the gratulations [typo], your presence during the whole week and the reception with a wonderful speech,” she wrote on Twitter. Schaffner’s message conveyed hopes for continued collaboration, whether in Davos or elsewhere, in the coming year.
The success of this year’s event sets a hopeful tone for the future of UK-Switzerland relations. As ambassadors and parliamentarians of both countries look ahead, events like these continue to highlight the power of sport in bridging nations.
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By Raza Hussain | Recently featured in The Telegraph, The i Paper, POLITICO Europe and Tim Walker’s column | Editor of www.NewsLeaf.com | Former social media officer at Gina Miller’s True & Fair Party | Currently a Senior Advisor at a think tank and a foundation | Extra-Mile Winner of the Newsquest Young Reporter Scheme (2014) | Talent for Writing certificate by Young Writers (2015) | Travel blogger | Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Sociology (2019) | Social media PR and political communication
