Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stresses importance of disaster risk reduction for safeguarding sustainable development

14.03.2015 — Press release EDA
More and more people are threatened by disasters. To reduce the risk, precautionary measures must be taken early on. This message was underlined by Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Didier Burkhalter in his speech at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Japanese city of Sendai.

Disaster Risk Reduction: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to take part in UN World Conference in Sendai

09.03.2015 — Press release EDA
The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) will take place from 14 to 18 March in Sendai, Japan. Didier Burkhalter will lead the Swiss delegation during the ministerial segment of the conference, representing Switzerland's position. Following this, the Swiss delegation, including representatives of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), will continue negotiations on a new Framework for Action. On March 15 Federal Councillor Burkhalter will travel to Indonesia and subsequently to Sri Lanka for political discussions.

President of the Swiss Confederation receives Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan

19.06.2014 — Press release EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter received Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan in Neuchâtel on Thursday, June 19. The official visit by the Crown Prince to Switzerland forms part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan.

President of the Swiss Confederation in Tokyo to celebrate 150th anniversary of friendly and fruitful relations between Switzerland and Japan

03.02.2014 — Press release EDA
The friendship between Switzerland and Japan formed the focal point of the meeting between President Didier Burkhalter, accompanied by his wife, and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on the first day of his visit to the country. The visit signals the start of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the island nation. Relations between the two countries are friendly and fruitful. Japan is Switzerland's second largest economic partner in Asia.

President Didier Burkhalter to visit Japan to mark 150th anniversary of bilateral relations

29.01.2014 — Press release EDA
President Didier Burkhalter will travel to Japan between 3 and 6 February. The visit marks the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the island nation. The president, who is travelling with his wife, will open the celebrations at a dedicated event. In addition to an audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and a meeting with Crown Prince Naruhito, the programme includes official talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Japan is Switzerland's second largest economic partner in Asia.

Swiss government names new Ambassadors

13.11.2013 — Press release EDA
The Swiss government (Federal Council) has approved the list of diplomatic staff transfers scheduled for 2014 submitted by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The changes will be made in accordance with the normal rate of transfers, to be communicated at the time of the decision by the Federal Council. The appointments of Heads of Mission take effect as soon as the authorities in the host country communicate their approval. The Federal Council takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Ambassadors due to retire for the services rendered.

Logo for 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland

10.04.2013 — Press release EDA
Article - In 2014 Switzerland and Japan will celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations and friendship. During the anniversary year, a wide range of activities will emphasise the similarities between the two countries, strengthen the links of friendship between them and promote cultural exchanges. With the anniversary year approaching, an open competition was organised for an official anniversary logo. The contest met with a huge response in Switzerland and in Japan. The contest jury evaluated over 230 entries, with the winning design coming from Swiss graphic designer Francesca Porro.

Mercury Convention To Be Finalised in Geneva

09.01.2013 — Press release EDA
The fifth and final session of negotiations on the establishment of an international mercury convention will take place from 13 to 18 January 2013 in Geneva. The session is expected to culminate in the adoption of an agreement that aims to reduce mercury emissions and releases to the air, water and land. During the negotiations, Switzerland, which has been very committed to the establishment of the new convention, will support the effective and comprehensive regulation of mercury, that is its production, use and waste management. The Federal Council approved the mandate of the Swiss negotiating delegation on 9 January 2013.

President Ueli Maurer meets Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and represents Switzerland at G20 meeting of finance ministers

10.06.2019 — Press release Japan
President Ueli Maurer was received by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on 10 June 2019. The discussion was dedicated to the long-standing, excellent relations between Switzerland and Japan. In addition to regional topics, the central challenges for the global financial and economic system, which President Maurer addressed at the weekend meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Fukuoka, were also discussed.

Swiss Days @ The Imperial: Switzerland – Japan Economic Forum

16.02.2018 — Press release Japan
A common initiative of the Embassy of Switzerland in Japan, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan and IMD, “Switzerland - Japan Economic Forum” will be held as a part of “Swiss Days @ The Imperial”.

Human Rights Day 2017

10.12.2017 — Press release Japan
In exactly one year from today, on 10 December 2018, Switzerland together with the international community will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 70 years after its adoption, remains of unequivocal relevance. Human rights are a necessity for our societies, an invaluable ingredient to boost peace and stability and to foster sustainable development. Human rights are at the heart of the values represented by Switzerland and its political model, which is founded on the principles of democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among people having different religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Switzerland calls upon its partners to join it in making this Human Rights Day 2017 a day of unequivocal relevance for the promotion and the protection of human rights.

The FDFA reaffirms its commitment to a world without capital punishment

10.10.2017 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is committed to maintain a leading role in the worldwide movement to abolish capital punishment. On this year's World Day against the Death Penalty the FDFA has presented its new action plan, which sets out Switzerland's foreign policy activities towards universal abolition of the death penalty for the period until 2019.

Minamata Convention sets up office in Geneva

30.09.2017 — Press release Japan

Bern, 30.09.2017 - On 30 September 2017, the approximately 150 States meeting in Geneva for the first Conference of the Parties (COP1) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury decided to base the Convention in Geneva. “The arrival of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention will be a boost for Geneva as center of the international environment governance,” said Marc Chardonnens, President of the COP and Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, welcoming the decision.

OSCE Asian Conference: Counterterrorism, cyberspace and disaster prevention are possible areas for strengthened cooperation says Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

01.06.2015 — Press release EDA
Cooperation in counterterrorism, disaster preparedness and cyberspace can strengthen mutual trust in Asia, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter said at the opening of the Asian Conference of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Seoul. The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said that on the basis of its experience and the instruments at its disposal, the OSCE can be a bridge for dialogue on security with Asia. Switzerland currently holds the Chairmanship of the OSCE Asian Contact Group.

Switzerland welcomes the conclusion of the new disaster risk reduction framework

18.03.2015 — Press release EDA
Following days of negotiations, the delegations at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDRR) in Sendai, Japan, have adopted a new international framework, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), which sets out the priorities for disaster risk reduction for the next 15 years. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of the Federal Council for Swiss Humanitarian Aid and head of the Swiss delegation in Sendai, welcomed the new framework, which will give new impetus to the world in the field of disaster prevention.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discusses aspects of cooperative security in Asia with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

14.03.2015 — Press release EDA
At a bilateral meeting on the margins of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discussed aspects of cooperative security with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. One of the topics they addressed was the further development of cooperation between the OSCE and its Asian partner countries.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stresses importance of disaster risk reduction for safeguarding sustainable development

14.03.2015 — Press release EDA
More and more people are threatened by disasters. To reduce the risk, precautionary measures must be taken early on. This message was underlined by Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Didier Burkhalter in his speech at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Japanese city of Sendai.

Disaster Risk Reduction: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to take part in UN World Conference in Sendai

09.03.2015 — Press release EDA
The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) will take place from 14 to 18 March in Sendai, Japan. Didier Burkhalter will lead the Swiss delegation during the ministerial segment of the conference, representing Switzerland's position. Following this, the Swiss delegation, including representatives of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP), will continue negotiations on a new Framework for Action. On March 15 Federal Councillor Burkhalter will travel to Indonesia and subsequently to Sri Lanka for political discussions.

President of the Swiss Confederation receives Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan

19.06.2014 — Press release EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter received Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan in Neuchâtel on Thursday, June 19. The official visit by the Crown Prince to Switzerland forms part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan.

President of the Swiss Confederation in Tokyo to celebrate 150th anniversary of friendly and fruitful relations between Switzerland and Japan

03.02.2014 — Press release EDA
The friendship between Switzerland and Japan formed the focal point of the meeting between President Didier Burkhalter, accompanied by his wife, and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on the first day of his visit to the country. The visit signals the start of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the island nation. Relations between the two countries are friendly and fruitful. Japan is Switzerland's second largest economic partner in Asia.

UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener visits Japan

28.05.2021 — Local news Japan
In Tokyo, UN Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener, a former Ambassador of Switzerland to Germany and Thailand, exchanged views on Myanmar with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and other Japanese officials.

Swiss residents in Japan

28.05.2021 — Local news Japan
Local Japanese authorities are competent in regards to health and public safety. Please make sure to follow their instructions carefully.

COVID-19: safety measures

25.05.2021 — Local news Japan
The State of Emergency has been declared in Tokyo, Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okayama, Hiroshima and Okinawa prefectures.  All prefectures in Japan have implemented measures to address the COVID-19 situation. Please inform yourself about these specific measures and make sure to follow the instructions of the local authorities.

Swiss tech company and Japanese maritime consortium join forces to promote hydrogen-based zero-emission shuttle

21.05.2021 — Local news Japan
The agreement between Almatech and e5 Lab took place simultaneously in Tokyo and Lausanne on May 19. 

State Secretary Martina Hirayama emphasizes the importance of research at the 3rd Arctic Science Ministerial

20.05.2021 — Local news Japan
State Secretary Martina Hirayama virtually attended the third Arctic Science Ministerial (ASM3) held in Tokyo on May 8-9, 2021. At ASM3, science ministers and representatives of Arctic indigenous peoples' organizations came together to strengthen international cooperation in science and research to advance understanding of the Arctic region, and to support the role of science in policy and decision-making in the Arctic. In her speech, State Secretary Hirayama emphasized the importance of research in response to the challenges of climate change in the vulnerable Polar regions and the urgent need for international cooperation in this area.

Switzerland to participate in the 2025 World Expo in Osaka

14.05.2021 — Local news Japan
At its meeting of 12 May 2021, the Federal Council decided to capitalise on the 2025 World Expo in Osaka to promote Switzerland. 

Cancellation of the House of Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Tokyo

11.05.2021 — Local news Japan
The current health measures in Japan and the travel restrictions during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo have compelled the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to cancel the presence of the House of Switzerland in Tokyo this summer.

Switzerland publishes its first China Strategy

23.03.2021 — Local news Japan
The Swiss Federal Council has adopted a strategy for China on 19 March. 

10 years after March 11 – A message from Ambassador Baum

11.03.2021 — Local news Japan
Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan Dr. Andreas Baum expresses his admiration for Tohoku’s reconstruction and resilience, and looks forward to building a bright future together with all our friends from Japan.

Travelers to Switzerland

05.03.2021 — Local news Japan
Information for travelers to Switzerland

Swiss travelers to Japan

15.02.2021 — Local news Japan
Information for Swiss travelers to Japan

Information about COVID-19 for Swiss citizens in Japan and travelers to Japan or Switzerland

15.02.2021 — Local news Japan
Please follow the recommendations of the local Japanese and Swiss authorities. Links available below.