Şebnem İncesu, Embassy of Türkiye

This article was published in the infoletter December 2025.

In a nutshell, my role is to oversee all matters concerning our bilateral relations with Switzerland. I am far from alone in this task. I work closely with our dedicated team at the Embassy and benefit from the valuable support of our consulates general in Geneva and Zurich. A typical day begins with reviewing incoming correspondence and checking the daily schedule, followed by going through official statements and media briefings. We also hold regular coordination meetings with our career diplomats and counsellors at the Embassy to align our activities and priorities.

I took up my post less than a year ago, and this year already marks a remarkable milestone in our bilateral relations: the centenary of the Treaty of Friendship between Türkiye and Switzerland. It is an ideal moment to open new chapters and launch fresh initiatives. While I have a broad range of interests, I am particularly committed to supporting projects that foster mutual understanding between people and that can deliver concrete, measurable results within a defined timeframe.

I first visited Bern as a tourist two years ago. I wandered along the lively streets on a sunny day and found the city to be very compact and charming.

So far, I have not experienced challenges living in Bern. The city's main advantage is that everything is no more than fifteen minutes away. As is the case everywhere in Switzerland, transport is very easy and convenient.

I miss the relatively mild climate that lasts all year round. But, like every other country, we are experiencing the effects of climate change.

I like Bern’s kilometres of arcades, which reflect its medieval past the most. They provide the perfect place to walk around in all weathers, browse the shops, and experience the city’s historical atmosphere.

The riverbank is my favourite place in Bern. A promenade along the river is worth it.

There are plenty of places to visit in the country. I believe that sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List are a must-see. It would also be lovely to explore the country by car or train and see where the journey takes you.

I would name the world-famous tennis player Roger Federer. He is not only an outstanding athlete but also a noted philanthropist. Through his eponymous foundation, he is widely recognised for his work to ensure that children have access to quality education. In my previous assignment, I was also accredited to Malawi, where I witnessed first-hand the remarkable impact of the Foundation’s work on the ground.

My life motto is ‘‘step by step’’ — in the sense of taking things easy.

Ambassador of Georgia, Shota GETSADZE. The portrait will appear in the next infoletter.

Discover the interesting personalities who enrich our federal city.