The Ombudsperson Mr. Sami Kurteshi, welcomed the President of National Council and the Speaker of Swiss Federal Assembly, Mrs. Maya Graf, accompanied by the first vice president of the Swiss National Council as well as the members of Swiss Parliament in the premises of OI headquarter on the 2nd of April 2013.

Mr. Kurteshi expressed his appreciation for the visit of Swiss delegation, considering it as a sign of support for human rights, rule of law and democracy. The delegation was informed about the mission and mandate that OI has and the work that this institution performs in accomplishing constitutional and legal liabilities as governmental institution for protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
President of National Council and the Speaker of Swiss Federal Assembly, Mrs. Maya Graf expressed her gratitude for the reception and pointed out that Swiss has a close and strong affiliation with Kosovo due to the fact that approximately 170.000 citizens originated from Kosovo live in Switzerland and are integrated into social and institutional life of this country. Presiding of the Swiss parliament was interested about general situation in Kosovo, human rights situation, economical development, rule of law, minority challenges with particular emphases on Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities. Mrs. Graf, as well as other members of Swiss parliament, was interested on conditions that these communities have in Kosovo and possibilities for a decent life for returnees of these communities.
The general outcome from this meeting was that human rights and fundamental freedoms are basic elements of a democratic state and in this respect the role of Ombudsperson is of great importance and that Switzerland will offer its support regarding this issue.
Being amongst the first states to recognize the independence of Kosovo and with close ties of both states due to big number of compatriots living there, Swiss support is more than welcomed and significantly important.