The event drew an elite crowd of dignitaries, including Ambassador Wael Hamed, Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, representing the Egyptian government, Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, alongside numerous ambassadors from Arab and foreign missions, business leaders, and members of the Swiss community in Egypt.

In his welcoming address, Ambassador Baum delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech, expressing gratitude for the turnout and reflecting on his first year in Egypt.

“Welcome to this magical garden, which has become my secret refuge in Cairo,” he said. “In this most busy of cities, where invitations are a valued currency, the turnout at a National Day can be ‘payback day.’ This impressive and warm turnout makes me both humble and grateful.”

Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny welcomed by Swiss ambassador Andreas Baum

While Switzerland’s official National Day is celebrated on 1 August, Ambassador Baum acknowledged the timing of the event in October as a nod to local customs.

“Why not follow the pragmatic Egyptian approach, and celebrate in autumn, when people are here, and togetherness involves less sweating?”

Departing from the traditional tone of diplomatic speeches, Baum chose to focus on optimism and action in the face of global challenges.

“These are days of optimism, a rare moment of ‘peace breaking out,’” he said. “Now is indeed the time for action, with concrete acts of solidarity, creativity, humanity, compassion, and compromise. All our countries must ask themselves: where can we help, where can we add value? Egypt is very much doing its share, and Switzerland will too.”

Baum also highlighted key upcoming initiatives aimed at deepening Swiss-Egyptian ties. These include two ministerial visits before the end of the year, one linked to the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and another focused on enhancing cooperation in the field of migration.

Additionally, he announced the launch of a new four-year cooperation programme between Switzerland and Egypt. The initiative will emphasise migration, protection, socio-economic integration, green economic development, human rights, and governance—all under the theme of “investing in people.”

A Swiss-Egyptian Economic Forum is also planned to foster collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.

Swiss ambassador Andreas Baum welcomes his guests

Switzerland’s economic footprint in Egypt remains significant, the ambassador noted. He praised Swiss companies for their commitment to sustainability and for actively investing in Egypt and its people.

“Economic relations have been and continue to be the backbone of our relations,” Baum said. “I am impressed, at every factory or office visit, by our private sector’s commitment to sustainability.”

Marking one year since his arrival in Cairo, Baum reflected on the cultural contrasts, personal growth, and unexpected joys of life in Egypt.

“At a relatively late stage in life, I have learned to deal with Egypt’s multiple surprises,” he said. “I also strengthened my resilience, learned to do almost everything in the car—my two drivers becoming my most trusted companions.”

He noted the Egyptian sense of humour as a key coping mechanism, adding that even the smells of Cairo streets had become a sensory marker of his new home—humorously comparing it to the “smell of hot cheese” in Switzerland.

“As a child of Lake Léman, I feel privileged to spend a few years on the shores of the mighty Nile.”

International music enlivened the Swiss National Day party   (photo credit of the Swiss Embassy)

“I wish to end with good wishes for Switzerland, for Egypt, and with much hope for a more peaceful, prosperous, just and happy world,” Baum concluded.  

It’s worth noting that the Swiss embassy organised a grand ceremony last June to mark the year-long celebration commemorating the 90th anniversary of the historic ‘Friendship Treaty’ between Egypt and Switzerland.