RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman have sent cables of congratulations to the newly elected President of Switzerland Guy Parmelin. In his congratulatory message, the King expressed sincere felicitations and wished the president good luck and success, praising strong relations between the two countries and affirming his keenness to enhance in order to serve the best interests of the two friendly countries and their citizens. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished the Swiss president good health and happiness and to the friendly people of Switzerland further progress and advancement. The Crown Prince also expressed utmost elicitations and wished good luck and success to the Swiss president. Switzerland's federal assembly elected Parmelin last month to take over as president from 2021 onward replacing Simonetta Sommaruga. Parmelin, from the right-wing Swiss People's Party, has served as the minister for economic affairs, education, and research for the past two years. Under Switzerland's unique presidential system, presidents are not directly elected by the public but are instead voted into office by the federal assembly. Parmelin was elected with 188 of 202 valid votes. Presidents in Switzerland serve one-year terms and must be a member of the seven-person Federal Council in order to be elected to the top job.
