He joined the diplomatic service of Switzerland fresh out of university and spent the first two years in a diplomatic training programme in Berne, Geneve and Cologne.

His first assignment at the Swiss headquarters was Directorate of International Law (1977-81) followed by the first international assignment in Israel, Tel Aviv as Deputy Head of Mission (1981-84). Mr. Salamin's time in Israel was very memorable and he still considers the -Holy Land - as one of the most interesting places to visit.

His next posting was in Paris (1984-89) as First Secretary and then Counsellor of the Swiss Permanent Delegation to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). After Paris he returned to Berne, where he served as Head of Service of the European Integration Office (1989-92). Mr. Salamin was then Deputy Head of the Swiss Mission to the European Union in Brussels (1992-96). His first posting as an ambassador came in 1996 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Before coming to Hungary in 2004, he was Head of the Political Division I in Berne (1999-2004).

1. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The openness and friendliness of Hungarian people and the beauty of the flat, rural landscapes like Hortobágy. As a Swiss, I am more used to mountains and it was a nice change to see some 'puszta'.

2. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Taking a walk in Pest down-town. Although not in Budapest, but I recommend visiting the beautiful region of Dunakanyar (Visegrád, Esztergom)

3. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Goose liver.

4. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Fruit. I love fruit in Hungary, especially apples and apricots.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
I love the sound of 'szép alma'.

6. What do you miss the most from home?
The mountains and skiing

7. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Professional golf player.

8. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Perhaps a taxi driver. They have to wait around too much.

9. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Skiing in the Swiss Alps.

10. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Going to the Hortobágy for a few days perhaps.

11. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
My favorite band was the Beatles, film Ben Hur and hobby skiing and tennis.

12. What can't you resist?
Good food? Ice cream, sorbet, fondue, raclette?

13. Red wine or white?
Red wine. In Hungary the Villányi Merlot from the Bock vinery is one of my favourites.

14. Book or movie?
Books. One of my favourite books is the Great Gatsby.

15. Morning person or night person?
Morning person. I like to go jogging in the morning in the Városliget.

16. Dog person or cat person?
Cat person.

17. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest because of the active business and social life.

18.What would you say is your personal motto?
'Wake up, time is running'. It is important to spend time usefully since we have so little of it?