Switzerland

The First Lady accompanied President Gül on his visit to the Confederation of Switzerland on the invitation of his Swiss counterpart, Doris Leuthard, from November 25-26.

Swiss President Leuthard welcomed President Gül with an official ceremony at Zurich Airport. The First Couple attended a luncheon given by President Leuthard and her spouse, Roland Hausin, on a special train to the Bern Kehrstaz Station. Upon their arrival, the First Couples enjoyed great enthusiasm from a group of Swiss children with both Turkish and Swiss flags in their hands.

Exploring several historical places, including the Bern Clock Tower, the First Lady also visited the house where renowned physicist, Albert Einstein, lived.

Afterwards, she along with Mr. Hausin paid a visit to the Museum of Bern, where they were welcomed by the curator and other officials. The First Lady then proceeded to the sections where some works of Einstein are displayed. She was given a photo-copy of the passport Einstein used. Mrs. Gül and Mr. Hausin examined the engraved swords in the sections where there are some works from Ottoman times, Iran and Syria.

The First Couple also attended an official dinner given by their Swiss coumterparts.

FIRST LADY VISITS CLOCK AND WATCH MUSEUM

President Gül and Mrs. Hayrünnisa Gül along with President Leuthard and her spouse, Mr. Hausin proceeded to the city of Zurich.

Mrs. Gül and Mr. Hausin later explored the Beyer Clock and Watch Museum which shows timepieces of all kinds starting out with basic non-mechanical clocks.

Afterwards, President Gül and Mrs. Hayrünnisa Gül along with President Leuthard of the Confederation of Switzerland and her spouse, Mr. Roland Hausin enjoyed a boat tour on Lake Zurich.

The First Couple, meeting with Turkish expatriates residing in Zurich, left for Turkey.

President Gül’s visit has particular importance in that it was the first presidential visit from Turkey to Switzerland.