Joe Biden (78) will be flying from Brussels to Geneva next Tuesday. Even before the US President meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin (68) for the big summit on Wednesday, an appointment with the Swiss government is on his agenda.
SVP Federal President Guy Parmelin (61) and FDP Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis (60) will exchange ideas with Biden on June 15. The preparations are ongoing.
Parmelin plans a surprise
It is clear that gifts are exchanged at such a meeting. So what do Parmelin and Cassis give the American as a souvenir? A fine bottle of French-speaking Switzerland or Ticino wine? Chocolate? A pocket knife?
“You will see, it is a surprise!” Says Parmelin on the sidelines of a blood donation event with a laugh to Blick TV. Even after further inquiries, he does not allow anything to be elicited. Only: “Everyone wants to know – the Washington Post, the New York Times. But when I tell it, it’s no longer a surprise. I don’t want to say that. “
Parmelin speaks more openly about his blood type: He has B +. Unfortunately, he could not donate blood to many people because this blood group is not widespread. Nor does he hope that Biden will have to rely on a blood donation in Geneva. “He looks healthy,” says Parmelin.
Cassis also took part in the blood donation day. And what will he donate to Biden? “I hope our hospitality, our sympathy and perfect organization,” said the Foreign Minister. He doesn’t know whether he’ll bring him a bottle of Ticino wine. “I think they won’t be too happy to have other cantonal wines in Geneva.”
Geneva is preparing
Meanwhile, Geneva is preparing intensively for the meeting of the two great powers. Numerous security guards are out and about in the city. Several five-star hotels for the night from Tuesday to Wednesday are fully booked. The nervousness increases.
The summit will take place on Wednesday at Villa La Grange in Geneva. The city of Geneva feels “very honored” by choosing this location.
Strained relationship
It is the first time since he took office that US President Biden has met with his Russian counterpart Putin. The relationship is strained. Biden is considered a critic of Russia. In a recent TV interview, he described Putin as a “killer”. Putin, for his part, is drawing the anger of the West by deploying troops on the border with Ukraine and supporting the Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko (66).
Many hope that the meeting will bring some relaxation. One thing is clear: as soon as the two influential men arrive in Geneva, they will also disappear again. Biden is even supposed to fly back to Washington on Wednesday afternoon or evening. (til / cec / rus)