On 5 October 2026, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation Iryna Venediktova paid an official visit to the Canton of Fribourg.

As part of the visit, she met with representatives of leading companies in the canton, with the participation of Jacques Gerber, the Federal Council’s Delegate for Ukraine.

Particular attention was paid to prospects for involving Swiss businesses in future recovery and reconstruction projects in Ukraine, as well as opportunities to further develop economic cooperation.

The Ambassador also visited a refugee centre in the city of Fribourg. During the visit, she was briefed on the centre’s operations and organisation and met with Ukrainian citizens currently accommodated there.

A separate meeting was held with a delegation of the Government of the Canton of Fribourg, led by Philippe Demierre, President of the Council of State. Discussions focused on the canton’s support for Ukraine, humanitarian issues, support for Ukrainian citizens residing in Switzerland under protection status S, and further opportunities to develop interregional and municipal cooperation.

Another meeting took place with Elias Moussa, Mayor of the City of Fribourg. The discussions addressed the development of cooperation at the local-government level and prospects for further engagement.

The final meeting of the visit took place at the building of the Grand Council of the Canton of Fribourg with Bernhard Altermatt, First Vice-President of the Grand Council. The participants discussed parliamentary diplomacy, support for Ukraine, and opportunities for further cooperation.

The visit to the Canton of Fribourg provided an opportunity to deepen political, economic and humanitarian dialogue and strengthen ties at the federal, cantonal and municipal levels.