The book “50 Years: Switzerland-Korea,” published by the Swiss Embassy in Korea in May 2012, celebrates half a century of shared history between the two nations.

The publication reviews the innovations, initiative and passion they developed as partners in areas of trade, science, academia, politics and culture, and profiles individuals who contributed to burgeoning ties over the many decades.

An electronic version is available for free at www.swissembassynews.kr/index.asp. The first 30 people to email the embassy at seo.vertretung@eda.admin.ch will receive a free hard copy, too.

What counts most in bilateral relations between countries are the people who contributed to the many fields of cooperation ― especially those engaged in business, politics, science and culture.

Switzerland is a very old direct democracy, and has maintained peace and neutrality for hundreds of years. Although Korea made miraculous achievements in economic development and the establishment of a vibrant democracy, the Korean Peninsula is still exposed to military tensions.

This year Switzerland marks another milestone: the 60th anniversary of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. For 60 years Switzerland has contributed to this body with its presence in the DMZ to observe the maintenance of the 1953 armistice agreement.

The commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic ties is a good chance to take stock of the past and reflect on how to further strengthen the Swiss-Korean partnership in the future.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)