Switzerland appreciates Kerala’s support in repatriating citizens

Switzerland has thanked Kerala for enabling the repatriation of its citizens along with other European nationals in a seamless manner.

On Saturday, April 25th, over 160 Swiss citizens and residents as well European nationals had boarded a Swiss flight from Kochi to Zurich, after being stuck in Kerala for many days due to the COVID-19 crisis.

In a letter written to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Consul General of Switzerland, Sebastien Hug said, “I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the great support given by the government of Kerala for ensuring a safe and smooth repatriation. In particular, I would like to thank secretary Rani George and Raj Kumar, Regional Joint Director, of the Department of Tourism, as well as his entire team, which was absolutely pivotal in guiding us through the various processes, and providing great support throughout the preparation of this challenging task.”

“Furthermore, I also would like to thank Kerala Police for providing a police escort, and the leadership of the Cochin International Airport, A. C. K Nair, Director, Cochin International Airport and Dinesh Kumar, Asst. Director, Cochin International Airport, for their support,” he added.

“Last but not the least, I would like to acknowledge the great support we have received from the German Honorary Consul, Syed Ibrahim, who together with his team selflessly agreed to help us in accomplishing this mission,” the Consul general stated in the letter.

“I hope to visit Kerala soon again. Hopefully, either as a tourist discovering your beautiful State, or in my capacity as Consul General in order to continue fostering even closer ties between Kerala and Switzerland,” he wrote in his letter addressed to the chief minister.