Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Maria Theresa P. Lazaro met with Novartis Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Daniel Vasella in a meeting held at the Novartis Headquarters in Basel. Dr. Vasella has led Novartis through dynamic growth to rank among the world's most successful healthcare companies, with a focused portfolio, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines and diagnostics, generics and consumer health. In 2008, the Novartis Group's continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion.

During the meeting, Ambassador Lazaro thanked Dr. Vasella for Novartis investments in the Philippines, particularly in making the country the Southeast Asia Cluster Regional Headquarters. There were discussions in the establishment of Novartis BPO headquarters for some of their global operations and the recruitment of Filipino health care workers to Switzerland.

Ambassador Lazaro also handed Dr. Vasella a copy of the Philippine Embassy's commemorative book on the Highlights of Relations between The Philippines and Switzerland.