Keller-Sutter and Parmelin with US Secretary of State Rubio

After the meeting, Keller-Sutter told Swiss television SRF's "Tagesschau" program: "We had a very good meeting, a very friendly and open exchange on common topics and interests." However, she did not provide any details on the content.

The two members of the Federal Council decided not to hold a media conference in the US capital. This will only take place after their return to Switzerland - probably on Friday.

Keller-Sutter and Parmelin arrived in the USA in a hurry on Tuesday evening in order to avert the high tariff surcharges at the last minute. The aim is to make the USA "a more attractive offer" before the tariffs come into force on Thursday, the Federal Council explained. According to insiders, Switzerland wants to reduce the tariffs to around 15 percent - to the same tariff rate as for the EU.

It was unclear until recently whether the meeting between the Swiss finance minister and the economics minister with Rubio would be followed by contact with US President Donald Trump himself.