Switzerland is stepping up its involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine’s transport infrastructure. Swiss President Guy Parmelin signed an agreement in Washington with the World Bank aimed at modernizing Ukraine’s railway system, reinforcing existing commitments from Switzerland and its private sector to support Kyiv’s rail network.
In a post on X , Parmelin stressed that a reliable transport infrastructure fosters trade, economic recovery, and job creation. The Swiss president is in Washington this week alongside Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter and Swiss National Bank Chairman Martin Schlegel for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
Speaking at the World Bank Development Committee, Parmelin highlighted the institution’s key role in strengthening economic resilience by generating employment and promoting private-sector-driven growth. Discussions also focused on the impact of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. Recent IMF and World Bank reports have pointed to the negative effects of the war involving Iran on global development, particularly in terms of energy supply and financial stability. The war in Ukraine was also part of the agenda.
Meanwhile, Keller-Sutter and Schlegel took part in a G20 meeting of finance ministers. According to Switzerland’s Federal Department of Finance, the country continues to advocate for stable frameworks that support economic momentum. On the sidelines of the meeting, Keller-Sutter held bilateral talks with Italian Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti and Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen.
Parmelin, acting in his capacity as economy minister, also met separately with World Bank President Ajay Banga and the head of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Zou Jiayi.
