The invitation which the President extended in the name of the Federal Council to all foreign diplomats accredited to Switzerland is a permanent feature of the diplomatic event calendar. In even calendar years, an excursion takes place to a specific Swiss region, and in uneven calendar years a cultural event takes place. The invitation serves to maintain contacts at the highest level with accredited representatives of foreign countries in Switzerland.

In Porrentruy, diplomats will firstly have the opportunity to become acquainted with the business and educational location of the Jura. They will pay a visit to the Victorinox production facility where the Swiss Army watch is manufactured. In addition, they will visit the vocational training centre in Porrentruy with the Canton of Jura School for Watchmaking and Microtechnology.

Tour of Saint-Ursanne

Afterwards, the government of the Canton of Jura will invite President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf and the diplomatic corps to enjoy an aperitif in Porrentruy castle. Here, President Widmer-Schlumpf and the President of the cantonal government, Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, will give a speech to those present. After lunch in the castle of Pleujouse, the trip will continue to Saint-Ursanne. The guests will have a guided tour of the medieval town. Diego Causero, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, will give a speech in the Saint-Ursanne cloister. A short piano recital will bring the trip to a close.

Members of the media can join the visit to Victorinox Swiss Army Watch SA and are kindly requested to announce their participation in good time and proceed as follows:

• Thursday, 28 June 2012, 10.45 a.m., Victorinox Watch SA, Le Voyeboeuf 3a, 2900 Porrentruy (reply by midday on Wednesday, 27 June 2012, to nadia.fustinoni@victorinoxswissarmy.com).

Address for enquiries:

Publisher:

Federal Department of Finance

Internet: http://www.efd.admin.ch