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Swiss president to hold talks in Ireland amid US focus on pharma industry

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 26, 2025

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· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Swiss president to hold talks in Ireland amid US focus on pharma industry
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ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland's President Karin Keller-Sutter will travel to Ireland for high-level talks this week, her government said on Monday, the first visit by a Swiss president to the country

Swiss President Engages in Talks in Ireland Amid US Pharma Focus

ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland's President Karin Keller-Sutter will travel to Ireland for high-level talks this week, her government said on Monday, the first visit by a Swiss president to the country since 2012.

Both countries are trying to navigate U.S. policy challenges for their major pharmaceutical industries, after President Donald Trump this month issued an executive order directing drugmakers to quickly lower drug prices.

His administration has said it will take further action if companies do not make significant progress toward the goals.

Asked whether the pharmaceutical industry would be under discussion during her visit, the Swiss finance ministry said it would inform the public after the Irish talks.

Keller-Sutter, who is also the Swiss finance minister, will attend the opening of an exhibition on relations between Ireland and Switzerland's St. Gallen in the early Middle Ages at the National Museum of Ireland on Thursday.

St. Gallen is Keller-Sutter's home canton and the name of its capital city.

Keller-Sutter will also discuss bilateral issues, European policy matters, and international current affairs with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and other members of Ireland's government, the ministry said.

(Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Jan Harvey)

Key Takeaways

  • Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter visits Ireland.
  • Focus on US pharma policy impacts on both nations.
  • First Swiss presidential visit to Ireland since 2012.
  • Discussion on European policy and bilateral issues.
  • Opening of a Swiss-Irish historical exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Karin Keller-Sutter's visit to Ireland?
Karin Keller-Sutter will hold high-level talks in Ireland to discuss various issues, including the pharmaceutical industry and bilateral relations.
Who will Keller-Sutter meet during her visit?
Keller-Sutter will meet with Irish President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and other members of the Irish government.
What exhibition will Keller-Sutter attend?
She will attend the opening of an exhibition on the historical relations between Ireland and Switzerland's St. Gallen at the National Museum of Ireland.
What recent US policy challenges are affecting the pharmaceutical industry?
The US administration has issued an executive order directing drugmakers to quickly reduce prices, which has raised concerns for pharmaceutical industries in Switzerland and Ireland.
Will the pharmaceutical industry be discussed during the talks?
The Swiss finance ministry indicated that it would inform the public about the discussions after the talks, implying that the pharmaceutical industry may be on the agenda.

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