Wednesday, February 07, 2007

President takes pride in Cambodia projects

6. February 2007
Swissinfo (Switzerland)

Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey, who is on an official visit to Cambodia, has paid tribute to two important Swiss humanitarian projects in the country.

The children's hospitals set up by Beat Richner, as well as Piergiorgio and Simonetta Tami's refuges are lifelines for many people and help build a positive image of Switzerland, she said.

Calmy-Rey, who is also the foreign minister, met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and his deputy in the capital Phnom Penh, using the occasion to sign a bilateral aviation agreement.

She was also welcomed by King Norodom Sihamoni at his magnificent palace, where they held talks on economic and development issues.

But a large part of her trip was devoted to visiting several Swiss aid projects which have become local institutions - the Beat Richner hospitals and the Tamis' Hagar centres for women and children.

"I am proud to visit projects of such value which bear witness to the strong humanitarian link with Cambodia and form the basis of our country's excellent image over here," Calmy-Rey told reporters.

The four Kantha Bopha hospitals - all up to western standards - employ a staff of 1,750 and have 850 beds. They treat an estimated 85 per cent of ill children in Cambodia.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Oh good, she's happy with her
project. Accordingly, I am sure
she will sign the "Air Line's
agreement" deal to further helping
us with our tourist economic
sector.