Switzerland returns EUR 3.5 million to Tunisia in stolen assets recovery process

26.05.2017 — Media release EDA
Switzerland has transferred approximately EUR 3.5 million to Tunisia, in response to a request for mutual legal assistance. The final destination of these assets will depend on the proceedings currently under way in Tunisia.

Natural disasters and climate-related risks: Switzerland appeals for closer links between disaster risk reduction, climate change and development cooperation

26.05.2017 — Media release EDA
Natural disasters and climate-related risks threaten to reverse hard-won gains in development. These and other challenges were the focal point of the fifth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which took place from 22 to 26 May 2017 in Cancún, Mexico. At the conference, Switzerland appealed for closer cooperation in the fields of disaster risk reduction, climate change and development cooperation.

Attack in Egypt – FDFA position statement

26.05.2017 — Media release EDA
The FDFA is deeply saddened by the latest attack on Egypt’s Coptic Christians killing and injuring many people including children. It condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms.

Human rights under pressure in Europe: the Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks call for the protection of human rights

24.05.2017 — Media release EDA
"Protecting human rights is of fundamental importance for Switzerland and needs our full attention", said Mr Burkhalter during his meeting with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks. The system to ensure the protection of human rights in Europe was under pressure, he said. Mr Muižnieks is currently evaluating the situation with regard to human rights in Switzerland on behalf of the Council of Europe. The meeting in Bern therefore also addressed human rights in Switzerland.

Swiss-Rwandan relations enter a new phase: development through vocational skills training and multilateral cooperation

22.05.2017 — Media release EDA
“Today’s meeting is an opportunity to review the situation and open up a new phase in our countries’ relations”. This proposal made by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter was welcomed by Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo during their official meeting in Bern. Specifically, the two ministers decided to expand relations in areas of shared interest, in particular at the multilateral level and in conflict prevention. They also reviewed priorities in the field of development cooperation, giving greater importance to vocational skills training, access to water, and good governance in the Great Lakes region, which also includes Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After the talks, the Swiss and Rwandan ministers signed an aviation agreement.

Ministerial session of the Council of Europe: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter calls on the 47 member states to strengthen their common values

19.05.2017 — Media release EDA
At the opening of the 127th ministerial session of the Council of Europe on Friday, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, called on the 47 member states to strengthen their common values. The Council of Europe has set up a strong protection system that respects the sovereignty of states and enshrines the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms at the continental level, said Mr Burkhalter.

Didier Burkhalter focuses on strengthening relations between Switzerland and Jordan and on the Syrian humanitarian crisis during visit to Amman

19.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On Friday, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, signed a memorandum of understanding in Amman strengthening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Jordan. Mr Burkhalter then visited the Azraq refugee camp, where he officially opened a water supply system funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation which gives 35,000 Syrian refugees in the camp direct access to drinking water.

Promoting Switzerland at Expo 2020 in Dubai

17.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On 17 May 2017, the Federal Council adopted the credit dispatch for Switzerland’s participation in Expo 2020 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates, UAE). The total budget is CHF 14.84 million, about half of which will financed by third party funds. The theme of Expo 2020 is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". By participating in Expo 2020, Switzerland will be able to showcase its strengths – particularly in the areas of education, research, innovation and business – throughout the region. Expo 2020 also offers Switzerland an excellent opportunity to communicate to an international audience what it stands for and the values it represents.

Entry into force of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

17.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On 17 May 2017 the Federal Council confirmed that the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe (Eastern Europe Cooperation Act) will come into force on 1 June 2017. The act was passed by Parliament on 30 September 2016.

Didier Burkhalter in Cyprus for the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and in Jordan to inaugurate a water supply system in a refugee camp

16.05.2017 — Media release EDA
Migration, its consequences and what a country like Switzerland can do to help will be at the top of the agenda during Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter's two-day trip to Cyprus and Jordan. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will be in Cyprus on Friday to attend the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. He will then go to Amman, the capital of Jordan, to inaugurate a water supply system in Azraq refugee camp. Switzerland's support for victims of the Syrian crisis is the country's largest humanitarian operation to date.

Didier Burkhalter meets Sudanese foreign minister in Bern

16.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On 16 May 2017 Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter received Ibrahim Ghandour, the Sudanese foreign minister, in Bern. It is the first time since 2005 that a meeting at ministerial level has taken place between the two countries. The meeting covered recent developments in Sudan, the country's role in the region and opportunities for dialogue and cooperation to enable progress in the areas of political reform, human rights promotion and compliance, the management of migration and the protection of migrants.

Switzerland obtains observer status in the Arctic Council

12.05.2017 — Media release EDA
At its ministerial meeting held on 11 May 2017 in Fairbanks, Alaska, the Arctic Council granted Switzerland observer status. As an observer, Switzerland can now contribute expert knowledge to the Council at the level of working groups, particularly in the interdisciplinary area of climate change research. The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum promoting the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development in the Arctic.

Switzerland returns EUR 3.5 million to Tunisia in stolen assets recovery process

26.05.2017 — Media release EDA
Switzerland has transferred approximately EUR 3.5 million to Tunisia, in response to a request for mutual legal assistance. The final destination of these assets will depend on the proceedings currently under way in Tunisia.

Natural disasters and climate-related risks: Switzerland appeals for closer links between disaster risk reduction, climate change and development cooperation

26.05.2017 — Media release EDA
Natural disasters and climate-related risks threaten to reverse hard-won gains in development. These and other challenges were the focal point of the fifth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which took place from 22 to 26 May 2017 in Cancún, Mexico. At the conference, Switzerland appealed for closer cooperation in the fields of disaster risk reduction, climate change and development cooperation.

Attack in Egypt – FDFA position statement

26.05.2017 — Media release EDA
The FDFA is deeply saddened by the latest attack on Egypt’s Coptic Christians killing and injuring many people including children. It condemns the attack in the strongest possible terms.

Human rights under pressure in Europe: the Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks call for the protection of human rights

24.05.2017 — Media release EDA
"Protecting human rights is of fundamental importance for Switzerland and needs our full attention", said Mr Burkhalter during his meeting with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks. The system to ensure the protection of human rights in Europe was under pressure, he said. Mr Muižnieks is currently evaluating the situation with regard to human rights in Switzerland on behalf of the Council of Europe. The meeting in Bern therefore also addressed human rights in Switzerland.

Swiss-Rwandan relations enter a new phase: development through vocational skills training and multilateral cooperation

22.05.2017 — Media release EDA
“Today’s meeting is an opportunity to review the situation and open up a new phase in our countries’ relations”. This proposal made by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter was welcomed by Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo during their official meeting in Bern. Specifically, the two ministers decided to expand relations in areas of shared interest, in particular at the multilateral level and in conflict prevention. They also reviewed priorities in the field of development cooperation, giving greater importance to vocational skills training, access to water, and good governance in the Great Lakes region, which also includes Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After the talks, the Swiss and Rwandan ministers signed an aviation agreement.

Ministerial session of the Council of Europe: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter calls on the 47 member states to strengthen their common values

19.05.2017 — Media release EDA
At the opening of the 127th ministerial session of the Council of Europe on Friday, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, called on the 47 member states to strengthen their common values. The Council of Europe has set up a strong protection system that respects the sovereignty of states and enshrines the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms at the continental level, said Mr Burkhalter.

Didier Burkhalter focuses on strengthening relations between Switzerland and Jordan and on the Syrian humanitarian crisis during visit to Amman

19.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On Friday, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, signed a memorandum of understanding in Amman strengthening bilateral relations between Switzerland and Jordan. Mr Burkhalter then visited the Azraq refugee camp, where he officially opened a water supply system funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation which gives 35,000 Syrian refugees in the camp direct access to drinking water.

Promoting Switzerland at Expo 2020 in Dubai

17.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On 17 May 2017, the Federal Council adopted the credit dispatch for Switzerland’s participation in Expo 2020 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates, UAE). The total budget is CHF 14.84 million, about half of which will financed by third party funds. The theme of Expo 2020 is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". By participating in Expo 2020, Switzerland will be able to showcase its strengths – particularly in the areas of education, research, innovation and business – throughout the region. Expo 2020 also offers Switzerland an excellent opportunity to communicate to an international audience what it stands for and the values it represents.

Entry into force of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

17.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On 17 May 2017 the Federal Council confirmed that the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe (Eastern Europe Cooperation Act) will come into force on 1 June 2017. The act was passed by Parliament on 30 September 2016.

Didier Burkhalter in Cyprus for the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and in Jordan to inaugurate a water supply system in a refugee camp

16.05.2017 — Media release EDA
Migration, its consequences and what a country like Switzerland can do to help will be at the top of the agenda during Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter's two-day trip to Cyprus and Jordan. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will be in Cyprus on Friday to attend the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. He will then go to Amman, the capital of Jordan, to inaugurate a water supply system in Azraq refugee camp. Switzerland's support for victims of the Syrian crisis is the country's largest humanitarian operation to date.

Didier Burkhalter meets Sudanese foreign minister in Bern

16.05.2017 — Media release EDA
On 16 May 2017 Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter received Ibrahim Ghandour, the Sudanese foreign minister, in Bern. It is the first time since 2005 that a meeting at ministerial level has taken place between the two countries. The meeting covered recent developments in Sudan, the country's role in the region and opportunities for dialogue and cooperation to enable progress in the areas of political reform, human rights promotion and compliance, the management of migration and the protection of migrants.

Switzerland obtains observer status in the Arctic Council

12.05.2017 — Media release EDA
At its ministerial meeting held on 11 May 2017 in Fairbanks, Alaska, the Arctic Council granted Switzerland observer status. As an observer, Switzerland can now contribute expert knowledge to the Council at the level of working groups, particularly in the interdisciplinary area of climate change research. The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum promoting the environmental, economic and social aspects of sustainable development in the Arctic.

"Meetings between students and Holocaust survivors remain the best way of fighting Holocaust denial"

07.03.2017 — Article EDA

This year, Switzerland is assuming the chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Its new chair, FDFA secretary general Benno Bättig, discusses his role, Switzerland's priorities and the importance of raising youth awareness.

Nominations, retirements and new ambassadors

03.03.2017 — EDA
A personnel change for the position of head of the Swiss representation in Nepal has been planned. It will coincide with the usual transfers for early 2018 in line with the decision taken by the Federal Council. The nomination will take effect as soon as the authorities of the host country have given their approval. The Federal Council would like to extend its warmest thanks to Ambassador Jörg Frieden for his service as he enters retirement.

Three priorities for dialogue and joint action: Conflict prevention, the strengthening of joint capabilities and the effective implementation of the rights of every human being

27.02.2017 — EDA
Geneva, 27.02.2017 - Speech by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the occasion of the opening at the 34th session of the Human Rights Council - Check against delivery

The Human Rights Council: “human rights are a joint response to a harsher, more uncertain world”

27.02.2017 — EDA
"In a world which is turning in on itself, we perceive less of a desire for joint action and more of a calling into question of the international framework for human rights," said Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter on Monday in Geneva at the opening of the 34th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC). "And yet, human rights are precisely the strong response we need to the questions facing us in this harsher, more uncertain world," he said. Switzerland proposed three priorities to guide joint dialogue and action in favour of human rights: conflict prevention, a strengthening of collective capacities and the genuine implementation of the rights of every human being.

Famine in Africa: Switzerland pledges CHF 15 million to support emergency relief

24.02.2017 — EDA
Switzerland has pledged to take direct action to help populations facing starvation, especially in South Sudan. The decision follows a call issued by the United Nations Secretary-General on 22 February 2017. Swiss Humanitarian Aid, a department of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is to release CHF 15 million from its fund for humanitarian emergencies for countries hit by famine in the beginning of this year.

FDFA Helpline has answered 250,000 enquiries from Swiss citizens since 2011

24.02.2017 — EDA
What is the current security situation in Tunisia? How can I apply for a new Swiss passport? My identity card was stolen in Barcelona - what do I have to do to be able to board a flight home? My son has been involved in a traffic accident in Thailand - what can be done to help him? The FDFA Helpline answers these and many other enquiries around the clock by telephone and email. The 250,000th enquiry was received in the night of 23 to 24 February 2017.

State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl to coordinate negotiations with EU starting 1 April 2017

22.02.2017 — EDA
Pascale Baeriswyl will take over the coordination of Switzerland’s negotiations with the European Union (EU) from Jacques de Watteville. During its session on Wednesday 22 February 2017, the Federal Council tasked the State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) with pursuing the coordination of the discussions with the EU, together with the negotiators in charge of different dossiers, as of 1 April.

New head of swissnex India and consul general of Switzerland in Bangalore

21.02.2017 — EDA
Sébastien Hug has been appointed head of swissnex India and consul general of Switzerland in Bangalore. He will take up his post in November 2017.

Munich Security Conference: Didier Burkhalter rates OSCE as a major actor for rebuilding trust in Europe

18.02.2017 — EDA
At the Munich Security Conference last Saturday, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter expressed the view that the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) now more than ever had a key role to play in strengthening security in Europe. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) called on members of the OSCE to advance common action to reduce uncertainty and rebuild trust through a structured dialogue within the framework of the OSCE.

“European security: a structured dialogue to advance common action, reduce uncertainty, and rebuild trust”

18.02.2017 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the Munich Security Conference – Check against delivery

Remembrance as a bridge

27.01.2017 — EDA
Message from the President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January 2017

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to attend the 2017 WEF Annual Meeting

17.01.2017 — Article EDA

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will attend the 2017 WEF Annual Meeting in Davos from 17 to 18 January 2017.