Diplomatic Dialogue with Peter Zimmerli, Consul General of Switzerland

Situated in the heart of Western Europe, with an area about half the size of South Carolina and a population less than that of New Jersey, Switzerland is an important player globally, in Europe, and here in Georgia.

Join the Atlanta Council on International Relations for a Diplomatic Dialogue breakfast with Peter Zimmerli, Consul General of Switzerland in Atlanta since 2017. Mr. Zimmerli will discuss the highlights and challenges of his long career with Mark Pierson, ACIR’s Director of Diplomatic Outreach and Strategic Development. The breakfast attendees (limited to 25) will then have the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the Consul General. Remarks are off-the-record and not recorded.

Speaker

Peter Zimmerli, Consul General of Switzerland in Atlanta

Born in 1957 in Switzerland, Peter Zimmerli grew up in the canton of Aargau. He graduated with a Commerce Diploma and holds a Diploma in Advanced Studies in International Relations.

Prior to joining the Swiss government, he worked for an American multinational company in Geneva as a sales manager. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985 and has lived and worked in Switzerland, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Germany, Italy and Singapore. He held among others, positions as head of chancery, deputy head of the economic section of the Foreign Ministry in Bern, deputy head of Mission in Singapore and head of the division for relations with the Swiss abroad at the Ministry in Berne.

Peter Zimmerli arrived in Atlanta in August 2017. As the current Consul General of Switzerland in Atlanta, his jurisdiction is over the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, as well as the Cayman Islands.

He speaks German, French, English, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish. He is married to his wife Jun Cui and has two children.

Parking:

Free with validation, if parked in the parking deck

Click HERE to view parking and Directions

Price:

$10 Members, Diplomatic Corps, and Institutional Members,

$15 Non-members

$5.00 Students (GATech & UNG only)

United States – Switzerland Relations

The United States established diplomatic relations with Switzerland in 1853 following the formation of a unified Swiss state. Switzerland is a democratic country subscribing to the fundamental ideals with which the United States also identifies. The country is politically stable with a strong and resilient economy. It has played an increasingly important role in supporting the spread of democratic institutions and values worldwide, as well as providing humanitarian relief and economic development assistance. U.S. policy toward Switzerland takes these factors into account and seeks to cooperate with Switzerland to the extent consistent with Swiss neutrality. Switzerland has represented the United States in Iran as our Protecting Power since 1980, where it provides assistance to U.S. citizens in Iran.

The United States and Switzerland have signed a number of agreements creating mechanisms that deepen cooperation and improve the relationship: the Enhanced Political Cooperation Framework, the Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum, a Memorandum of Understanding on Apprenticeships and Workforce Development, and the revised Operative Working Arrangement on Law Enforcement Cooperation on Counterterrorism. The centerpiece of the Enhanced Political Cooperation Framework is an annual senior-level meeting, the Joint Working Group. Another vehicle for bilateral cooperation is the U.S.-Swiss Joint Economic Commission, which covers anti-money laundering efforts, counterterrorism, regulatory cooperation, and intellectual property rights, among other topics.

Belgium is also a key provider of humanitarian, reconstruction, and development assistance to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, as well as many countries in Africa. As the host country of the EU and NATO headquarters, Belgium plays an important role in European and Transatlantic diplomacy.

Co-host and Sponsor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strategic Partners:

Sam Nunn School of International Affairs

Georgia Institute of Technology

 

 

 

 

Cancellation Policy:

If you need to cancel, please do so no later than 48 hours before the event. No refund can be provided after that.

For your convenience, ACIR encourages you to pay online.

Registration Closes Noon, Monday, January 17

By registering, I understand that photos and/or video may be taken at this program, and agree that these materials may be used for promotional purposes. Please contact the programming team with questions: info@atlantacir.org

Members are welcome to bring non-member friends to ACIR events at member rates. The same guest may only be invited once at member rates.

Thank you for supporting this ACIR event with your attendance.

For general information and/or questions about or assistance with registration email: info@atlantacir.org

For your safety and the safety of others, ACIR requests that only fully vaccinated people or those immune from having had COVID19 attend.