Omar, Swiss envoy explore collaboration opportunities

Swiss Ambassador to India, Maya Tissafi, who is on a visit to Kashmir, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday and discussed areas of mutual interest, officials said.

Officials said Tissafi called on the Chief Minister in Srinagar and discussed prospects of cooperation in sustainable tourism, horticulture, vocational training and food processing.

According to officials, the meeting focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration and exchange of best practices in sustainable tourism, hospitality, vocational education, eco-friendly food processing, horticulture and dairying.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of adopting global best practices in these sectors to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic development and ensure long-term prosperity for its people.

He highlighted the government’s vision of integrating innovative and sustainable approaches into regional planning and human development frameworks to create employment opportunities, enhance productivity and improve the overall quality of life.

Ambassador Tissafi, officials said, appreciated the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir.

She expressed interest in exploring avenues for greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing in sectors of mutual benefit.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming the importance of cooperation in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth, officials added.

Tissafi had earlier met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar on Thursday.