Swiss President Hans-Rudolf Merz welcomed H.E. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro as the new Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland during the latter's Presentation of Credentials at the Federal Palace in Berne.

At the outset, the Swiss President expressed hope that Ambassador Lazaro has settled well in Berne, and conveyed his warm wishes to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Ambassador Lazaro responded by congratulating President Merz on his assumption to the Presidency of the Swiss Confederation beginning 1 January 2009. She also conveyed to him President Arroyo's New Year's greetings and felicitations.

President Merz and Ambassador Lazaro then reviewed their two countries' relation, including the successful state visit to the Philippines of former Swiss President Pascal Couchepin last year. On economic and tourism matters, Ambassador Lazaro stressed the importance to the Philippines of the upcoming MUBA event in Basel on 13-22 February 2009 where the Philippines will be the Featured Guest Country. MUBA, or Mustermesse Basel (Mustermesse literally means "sample fair", or an exhibit of sample products), is Switzerland's biggest and longest-running annual consumer event.

On his part, President Merz expressed his high regard for Filipinos who, he said, are known for their industry and diligence not only in Switzerland, but also in other parts of the world.

Ambassador Lazaro and President Merz agreed on the importance of strengthening the bilateral relation between the Philippines and Switzerland.