SRINAGAR, May 29: The Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Maya Tissafi, met with senior Jammu and Kashmir officials this week, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in sectors such as sustainable tourism, horticulture, and allied agricultural industries.
Ambassador Tissafi conveyed that during her meetings in Srinagar, discussions revolved around fostering collaboration between Switzerland and Kashmir. She highlighted potential avenues including vocational training, food processing, and agricultural development.
The Swiss envoy also shared insights into Switzerland’s existing contributions to the region’s development through private sector engagement, citing expertise in infrastructure projects like tunnels and bridges, hydropower technology, and joint research initiatives.
During her visit, Ambassador Tissafi visited the renowned ski resort of Gulmarg in the Baramulla district of North Kashmir. Drawing parallels between the cinematic portrayals of Switzerland and Gulmarg in Bollywood films, she expressed her understanding of why filmmakers are drawn to the valleys.
Beyond scenic beauty, Ambassador Tissafi noted the shared responsibilities of mountain regions, emphasizing the importance of resilience, sustainable tourism practices, and disaster risk reduction. She pointed to ongoing collaborative programs between Switzerland and India in the region, including a Himalayan glaciology program at the University of Kashmir and cloud research conducted with ETH Zurich.
The Ambassador also had the opportunity to witness the craftsmanship of Kashmiri shawl and carpet makers, appreciating their artistry which she found to be as captivating as the region’s landscapes.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
