The ceremony was held at Dahab Island Palace, a hidden gem built in 1994 by Prince Naguib Hassan Abdallah and located across Maadi’s Nile Corniche.
The celebration honoured the enduring bilateral ties between the two countries, which have existed since the signing of the Friendship Treaty in 1934 and the opening of Switzerland’s first representation in Cairo in 1935.
Over the past year, the Swiss embassy has hosted diverse cultural and diplomatic events, including exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, and innovation-focused forums.
These events reflect the' strength, resilience, and forward-looking nature of Swiss-Egyptian relations.
The landmark occasion brought together more than 300 distinguished guests, including government officials, artists, business leaders, academics, media, and members of the Swiss and Egyptian communities, in an inspiring cultural celebration along the Nile River.
The event served not as an ending but as a continuation of a shared story, a sentiment echoed by Ambassador Baum during the ceremony.
“This is not a breakup party. On the contrary, it’s more like renewing our vows,” he said.
The year-long anniversary programme, launched with a striking Saype (eco-friendly) land art fresco near the Pyramids of Giza in June 2024, has reflected the depth and diversity of the bilateral relationship, spanning culture, economic cooperation, archaeology, sustainability, and people-to-people connections.
From jazz festivals and chocolate workshops to archaeological showcases, the events highlighted what the ambassador described as “a friendship built on shared values: trust, innovation, culture, respect, and a good sense of humor.”
A photo exhibition by two Swiss photographers (photo by Reham El-Adawi)
The ambassador also emphasized the significance of the 90-year journey and acknowledged the continuing relevance of the bilateral partnership in addressing global and regional challenges.
He paid tribute to the individuals who made the event possible, highlighting the leadership and creativity of women at the heart of its organization, from artists and musicians to producers and curators.
Ambassador Baum also reflected on Switzerland’s enduring humanitarian values amid the ongoing complexities of the current regional context, reaffirming a shared hope that the coming decades would bring peace, dignity, justice, and adherence to international law.
The closing event featured an immersive artistic programme, including a photography exhibition showcasing spectacular black-and-white photos of old Egypt by world-renowned Swiss photographers Margo Veillon and Fred Boissonnas. These interactive experiences reflect Egyptian storytelling through Swiss lenses.
Guests attending the grand closing ceremony (photo by Reham El-Adawi)
Guests were also treated to a culinary journey blending Swiss and Egyptian flavours.
At the same time, a striking visual ambiance, featuring projections, brought together a timeline depicting the chronological highlights of this friendship.
Switzerland and Egypt mark 90 years of friendship and diplomatic ties.
As the 90th anniversary celebrations close, the Swiss embassy looks forward to deepening its multifaceted partnership with Egypt in the years ahead, building on a legacy of cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual respect.
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