Switzerland is preparing to conclude an international agreement with Ukraine on reconstruction.

The Federal Council has approved a mandate for negotiations on the conclusion of an international agreement between Switzerland and Ukraine, which will create a legal framework for involving the Swiss private sector in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

This was reported by Ukrinform, citing the Swiss government.

'At the meeting on January 29, 2025, the Federal Council approved a mandate for negotiations on the conclusion of an international agreement between Switzerland and Ukraine. The agreement will create a legal basis for expanding cooperation with the Swiss private sector in the process of reconstructing Ukraine,' the statement said.

The press release notes that the reconstruction of Ukraine faces significant challenges, and 'traditional international cooperation cannot provide the necessary support,' thus 'the private sector plays an important role.' A declaration of intent between Switzerland and Ukraine was signed on January 23, 2025, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos with the aim of strengthening cooperation with Swiss companies already operating in Ukraine.

According to the decision of the Federal Council dated November 20, 2024, to enhance cooperation with Swiss companies that are not yet operating in Ukraine, it is proposed to conclude a temporary agreement that may be supported by a referendum. The Federal Council has approved a mandate for negotiations on the conclusion of such an international agreement between Switzerland and Ukraine,' the statement said.

As the next step, the Federal Council will hold consultations with parliamentary committees on foreign policy.