Americas: The American continent features different dynamics in the north and south. The United States and Canada – both G7 countries – are stable democracies and competitive economies characterised by the rule of law, capacity for innovation and prosperity. However, despite significant developmental progress, Latin America has not managed to realise the potential of its abundant natural resources. The key obstacles are weak governance, corruption, administrative bureaucracy and inadequate education and health systems. The discontent over growing socioeconomic inequality and authoritarian governments is increasingly erupting into protests and riots. A lack of opportunities, combined with crime, violence and poverty lead to displacement and irregular migration in many places. To meet these complex challenges in Latin America, Switzerland uses a variety of instruments, e.g. to build peace, reinforce economic and social structures, combat corruption, improve health and protect cultural heritage. The instruments of international cooperation, such as humanitarian aid, global programmes and economic development cooperation will continue to be deployed. Cooperation in economic affairs, science and research, education and training and environmental policy in Latin America can be stepped up further. The focus is on the following priorities: 1. Peace and security: Switzerland works with the United States in specific areas to support a rules-based global security architecture. The impact of internal conflicts in Latin America will continue to necessitate good offices and humanitarian aid. Switzerland helps to alleviate need in the aftermath of natural disasters in the region. 2. Prosperity: Relations with regionally important states will be intensified thanks to the signing of agreements or the promotion of contacts and bottom-up initiatives, particularly in the areas of free trade, vocational education and training, science, and innovation. The career prospects of people in Latin America should be sustainably improved to curb poverty and crime. 3. Expansion of presence in and cooperation with regional organisations: Cooperation with the OAS, CARICOM and the Pacific Alliance will be strengthened. The priorities are governance, human rights, combating corruption and impunity, economic development and sustainability, disaster risk reduction, innovation and vocational education and training. Priority country Brazil: As the largest and most populous country in Latin America, Brazil is a political and economic heavyweight and Switzerland’s most important economic partner in the region. On the basis of an MoU from 2008, Switzerland engages in dialogue with Brazil in the areas of policy, economic affairs, science and research, taxation/finance, human rights and intellectual property. Successes have also been achieved through ad hoc dialogue in the areas of mutual legal assistance, combating corruption and taxation. The negotiations on the EFTA-Mercosur free trade agreement were completed in August 2019. As a leading voice among Latin American states, Brazil is a key partner for Switzerland in multilateral forums. Despite holding divergent positions at times, Switzerland quickly established contacts at the highest level within Brazil’s new administration to continue bilateral and multilateral cooperation in a purposeful manner. Priority country United States: Switzerland continues to take due account of the dominant position of the United States in the international system and its key role for European security. Bilateral relations are based on a solid historical foundation, broadly shared values and close cultural and personal ties. The sometimes diverging positions in recent times have not changed this. The United States is by far the most important destination for direct investment by Swiss firms and is Switzerland’s second-largest trading partner. Cooperation in the field of education, research and innovation is very close. The continuous cultivation and expansion of close and diverse bilateral relations has proved successful. Regular talks are held in relation to politics, economic affairs, science and research, education, taxation, finance, customs issues and security, as well as interparliamentary dialogue. The idea of a free trade agreement has gained momentum and prompted exploratory discussions. An agreement on cooperation in vocational education and training signed in December 2018 is being implemented, while an agreement on military training cooperation is in the pipeline. Switzerland has been representing US interests in Iran since 1980. It is prepared to work with the United States to advocate peace and security where it is in both sides’ interest. In the area of digital technologies, the United States is a key player with whom Switzerland maintains close dialogue. In order to assert its multilateral interests globally, Switzerland must also articulate them to Washington on a bilateral basis and seek cooperation. Geographical level 29