On February 19, 2025, an exceptional international meeting took place at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF). The university was honored to welcome the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Peter Nelson, who was accompanied by the head of the diplomatic section, Mrs. Miriam Imesch. The ambassador was received at UKF as part of a courtesy visit by the Rector, Prof. RNDr. Libor Vozár, CSc., together with the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Assoc. Prof. PhDr. Martina Pavlíková, PhD., MBA.

The meeting focused on the university's ongoing international cooperation with partner institutions in Switzerland and explored further opportunities for collaboration in the fields of science and culture. At the end of the courtesy visit, the ambassador conveyed to Rector Prof. Libor Vozár the positive references about UKF expressed by the former Italian ambassador, H.E. Catherine Flumiani. The visit was arranged at the invitation of the Vice-Rector for International Relations.

 

After the courtesy visit with the rector, the ambassador continued his program at the Faculty of Arts at UKF, where he met with the Dean, Prof. PhDr. Martin Hetényi, PhD., the Vice-Dean for International Relations and Development, PhDr. Daša Nováčiková, PhD., and representatives from the Department of Romance and German Studies, including Prof. PaedDr. Eva Stranovská, PhD., Mgr. Paula Píšová, PhD., and Mgr. Ervín Weiss, PhD.

As in the meeting with the university leadership, the discussion at the Faculty of Arts centered on expanding mutual cooperation, with a particular emphasis on supporting the teaching of German and French at the faculty. The ambassador assured faculty representatives that he would actively work towards strengthening ties and enhancing interactions with the Swiss academic and cultural environment.

Following the meetings, the ambassador engaged with students from the Department of Romance and German Studies and the Department of Translation Studies at the Faculty of Arts, delivering two interactive lectures in French and German on the topic: "How Does Switzerland Work?"

At the conclusion of his visit, the ambassador expressed his very positive impressions of UKF and pledged to continue developing bilateral cooperation in the future.

 

Text: R – International Relation Office, Mgr. Ervín Weiss, PhD., FF – Department of Romance and German Studies
Photogallery: Lubo Balko, R – Media Office
Photo: archive of Ervín Weiss

 

Published: March 4,  2025