Presentation

A Luncheon Briefing by H.E. Christian Blickenstorfer Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States  Friday, April 15, 2005 12:00 Noon (11:30 a.m. networking reception) Plimsoll Club, 30th Floor, WTC (Free validated parking in the WTC Garage)

Ambassador Christian Blickenstorfer was appointed Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States in 2001. Prior to his transfer to the United States, he served as Head of the Political Directorate of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs in Bern.

From 1997 to 2000, he was Head of the Political Division II, responsible for relations with Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America. From 1993 to 1997, he was Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen. From 1989 to 1993, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Head of the Political Section at the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C. From 1983 to 1985, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland to the Islamic Republic of Iran in Teheran. He also served in that capacity at the Embassy of Switzerland to the Kingdom of Thailand in Bangkok from 1980 to 1983.

Ambassador Blickenstorfer entered public service in 1974, when he joined the Swiss Foreign Service. His first assignment was in Cairo, Egypt from 1975 to 1976. Ambassador Blickenstorfer earned his Ph.D. in modern history and international law at the University of Zurich in 1972.

The Ambassador’s visit also commemorates the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Swiss-American Society of New Orleans and the 175th anniversary of the Consulate of Switzerland in New Orleans.