Swiss Embassy and IDC hold training course in chocolates

• H.E. Dr. Tiziano Balmelli, the Swiss Ambassador to Kuwait, said, “Kuwaitis, who have been great travelers and merchants for centuries, have created a cuisine that reflects this diversity—rich in flavors and traditions from different backgrounds.”

By Rabih Kallas
Special to The Times Kuwait

The Swiss Embassy in cooperation with the International Diplomatic Club organized an advanced training course with Laura González, a renowned chocolatier from the Swiss Chocolate Academy, at the Swiss Residence on Wednesday 13th Nov. In attendance was the spouse of the Foreign Minister of Kuwait Lana Al-Ayyar, ambassadors and spouses of ambassadors accredited to the state of Kuwait

 Iveta Balmelli, the wife of the Swiss Ambassador and the host of the delightful evening welcomed the exclusive gathering including Anne Koistinen, the European Union Ambassador to Kuwait, Aliya Mawani, the Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait, and members of the International Diplomatic Club.

Addressing the guests Al-Ayyar stressed the importance of food diplomacy in bringing peoples closer together, noting that it is an effective mechanism for spreading culture and solving problems. She also emphasized the significance of cultural exchange as a vital bridge of communication between peoples, providing a strong foundation for mutual understanding. She pointed out that food is one of the most prominent aspects of a people’s culture, as it is an integral part of their daily lives.

Al-Ayyar added that Kuwait is open to the world and seeks to familiarize global audiences with its traditions and culture through the many Arab and foreign ambassadors accredited to the country.

In her remarks, González said, that “In the world of pastries, chocolate plays a fundamental role. For professionals, it is one of the most enticing and motivating ingredients. When handled optimally, its results can be extraordinary, with a vast range of possibilities.”

González adds that she discovered her passion for pastries at a very young age, baking cakes, biscuits, and desserts. She studied pastry in 2006 at the Argentino de Gastronomía Institute and dedicated her career to the hospitality industry, working as a pastry chef for nearly 15 years.

She worked with hotels in Argentina, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates and was part of the teams that opened hotels in Latin America.

Earlier in his welcoming address the Swiss Ambassador Balmelli said, “Food is a great example of the importance of maintaining strong international relations that enrich all parties involved in a mutual way.”

He added, “In fact, people travel, discover new cultures, and bring back the positive aspects of what they have experienced abroad, especially with regard to the art of cooking.”

He further noted that “Kuwait is a great example of this: Kuwaitis, who have been great travelers and merchants for centuries, have created a cuisine that reflects this diversity—rich in flavors and traditions from different backgrounds. This also applies to relations between Switzerland and Kuwait.”

Regarding the occasion, he said: “The purpose of this event is twofold. First, it provides a special moment of exchange and communication for female ambassadors and the wives of ambassadors. Secondly, it highlights one of the most famous Swiss products—chocolate—and demonstrates how Kuwait has adopted it into its own culture.”

He pointed out that “Swiss companies produce excellent chocolate bars, which are imported by Kuwaitis and used as raw materials to create high-quality chocolates. It’s a combination of two advantages: Swiss raw materials and Kuwaiti expertise. The result was impressive, as we saw this evening at the residence.”

The Swiss ambassador concluded: “This approach of developing win-win relationships at all levels, and the positive integration of everyone’s skills, should also inspire diplomacy as a truly golden rule.”

“I am very grateful to my wife, Iveta Balmelli, for organizing this beautiful event this evening at the Swiss residence, in cooperation with the International Diplomatic Club,” he added.