Russia and Switzerland have maintained diplomatic relations for 200 years. During the Second World War, those relations were briefly severed, but were restored after the war ended and have been stable ever since. In recent decades, diplomatic relations have taken on a different dimension, and can now be described as a long-term partnership. The two countries are forging ever closer ties and contact between Swiss and Russian people is steadily increasing, thanks to the ever-growing number of reciprocal arrange- ments in the cultural, higher education, sport and tourism spheres. To mark the milestone anniversary of these ties, a joint issue is being published by Swit- zerland and Russia – each bearing a famous national landmark. (read more)