--- title: "Marija Lakić-Barfus; establishing the Montenegro Embassy in Bern, Switzerland; embassy fully operational by end of 2025." sdDatePublished: "2026-09-17T11:43:00Z" source: "https://bern.com/en/inform/international-bern-welcome-desk/international-community/marija-lakic-barfus-embassy-of-montenegro" topics: - name: "diplomacy" identifier: "medtop:20000639" - name: "international relations" identifier: "medtop:20000638" - name: "people" identifier: "medtop:20000502" - name: "culture" identifier: "medtop:20000038" locations: - "Danilovgrad" - "Bern" - "Bern-Mittelland" - "Switzerland" - "Italy" - "Austria" - "Montenegro" - "Liechtenstein" --- Marija Lakić-Barfus; establishing the Montenegro Embassy in Bern, Switzerland; embassy fully operational by end of 2025. Marija Lakić-Barfus, Embassy of Montenegro - Bern Welcome Marija Lakić-Barfus, Embassy of Montenegro Since the opening of the Montenegrin embassy in Bern, Marija Lakić-Barfus has been committed to bilateral cooperation and supporting the Montenegrin community in Switzerland. But what does she get up to outside of her day job, and what does she appreciate about life in Bern? This article was published in the infoletter September 2026. ... has been the Ambassador of Montenegro to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein since August 2025. ... is a career diplomat and has been working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the past 20 years. She previously served in Italy and Austria. ... enjoys reading, travelling and exploring the city of Bern. 10 Questions to Marija Lakić-Barfus Which projects are you most looking forward at the moment? Since my arrival here in August 2025, my task has been to establish the Embassy of Montenegro in Switzerland. It was not an easy role since I had to do everything from scratch and I was completely alone. But with the assistance of Swiss and Montenegrin authorities, including the International Bern Welcome Desk, we were very efficient, so that the embassy was already fully operational by the end of last year. At the beginning of this year, the embassy was officially inaugurated with the presence of the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ervin Ibrahimović and Mr Ignazio Cassis. Being part of the process from the very beginning is both a privilege and a responsibility. What do you like most about Bern? There are so many things I like about Bern. As the main administrative center of Switzerland, it is hectic but at the same time it is the most peaceful capital that I ever visited. Bern is a safe and well-maintained city with many parks and places to relax. Although it is not very big, it is still diverse. The city also boasts beautiful historic architecture, plenty of green spaces, and a high quality of life. Furthermore, its central location makes it easy to travel to other parts of Switzerland. It has amazing railway connection with other European cities. What is the best way for you to switch off? The best way for me to switch off is walking, reading, or spending time in Bern's parks. I also find talking with the locals extremely interesting. And of course, spending time with my two daughters. We enjoy attending different events together and going for walks around Bern, visiting flea markets. There are so many cultural events for everybody so that you can never be bored. Is there something you miss about your home country and if so, what is it? Yes, I miss the beautiful Adriatic coast, beaches and the seaside, although Switzerland has marvelous lakes. And of course, spending time with my family and friends. I also miss the relaxed lifestyle and traditional Montenegrin food. What is the difference and or the commonality with your culture and the culture in Switzerland? Both Montenegrin and Swiss cultures place great value on family and hospitality, as well as on respect for and openness towards people from different backgrounds. I guess that this is characteristic of all multicultural societies. However, life in Switzerland is generally more organised, punctual, and structured. In Montenegro, people tend to be more spontaneous, it is the Mediterranean way of doing. What is still on your “to-do list” in Bern? I never swam in the river Aare, unlike my both daughters who adore swimming in the river. But it is on my “ to-do list ” , especially seeing so many people swimming in the river during summer, that I find amazing. Additionally, the Aare reminds me of the River Zeta in Danilovgrad, a small city where I grew up, and where I learnt to swim. Do you have any advice to newcomers in Bern? My advice is to learn Swiss German. My favourite word is “Grüessech,” which means “hello”. I like it because it sounds funny and is commonly used in Bern to greet people. However, I have to admit that, when I first arrived here, I found it frustrating that I couldn’t understand the dialect at all. It was strange to hear “Ade” instead of “Auf Wiedersehen” or “Merci” instead of “Danke.” Over time, you simply get used to it and start to understand Swiss German. Another piece of advice is to explore the city on foot and use public transport or cycle rather than relying on a car. Which Swiss personality impresses you the most? I love art. Therefore, the Swiss personality that impresses me very much is Paul Klee. This is the reason why I visited the Paul Klee Zentrum already upon my arrival. I like his unique artistic style, complexity and deepness painted in a simple and pure way. There is something in his art that reminds me of Montenegrin artist Cvetko Lainovic whom I adore. What is your life motto? I have many mottos, for example: There are no limits, they only exist in our mind. Be simple and modest. Never allow yourself to do something that you can later be ashamed of. Respect everybody regardless of their status, position, religion, because all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Who would you like to hear from next? Discover the interesting personalities who enrich our federal city.