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Federal councillor and OSCE chairman Ignazio Cassis visits Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan

06.08.2026 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA was in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan from 3 to 5 August 2026 for official talks with the foreign ministers of both countries. He also met with President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan and visited the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. A second trip to the region is planned for October 2026, to Armenia and Georgia.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan

31.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan from 3 to 5 August 2026. The head of the FDFA will hold official talks with the authorities of both countries at which he will particularly address bilateral relations. In his capacity as chairman-in-office of the OSCE he will also discuss the priorities of the Swiss chairpersonship in the current geopolitical context.

Waldbrände in Frankreich: Die Schweiz entsendet zwei Helikopter zur Unterstützung der Löscharbeiten

26.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
Die Schweiz unterstützt Frankreich bei der Bekämpfung der schweren Waldbrände. Auf Ersuchen des französischen Zivilschutzes stellt die Schweiz voraussichtlich zwei Super Puma Helikopter mit ihren Crews für einen Löscheinsatz zur Verfügung. Die Unterstützung wird durch die Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA) des Eidgenössischen Departements für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (EDA) zusammen mit dem Eidgenössischen Departement für Verteidigung, Bevölkerungsschutz und Sport (VBS) koordiniert.

Ebola: Switzerland boosts support for fight against epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and wider region

23.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a new Ebola epidemic that began in May of this year. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to contribute an additional CHF 1.6 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support efforts to combat the spread of the virus in the DRC and the wider region.

Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation to attend funeral of former Emir of Qatar

13.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Qatar on 13 and 14 July 2026 to attend the official funeral of the former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. As head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and Vice-President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Cassis will represent Switzerland at the condolence ceremony in the presence of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Tuesday in Doha.

2030 Agenda: Switzerland advocates results-based implementation of SDGs in New York

13.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
At this year’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), taking place from 7 to 16 July 2026 at the UN headquarters in New York, Switzerland will present its fourth voluntary national review (VNR) on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Local authorities can provide good examples of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) being pursued with a focus on impact. For this reason, the cities of Basel, Bern and Geneva will also be represented at a high level in the Swiss HLPF delegation.

Switzerland and the United Kingdom conclude negotiations on a modernised free trade agreement

13.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
At their meeting in Bern on 13 July, President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, announced that negotiations had concluded on a modernised free trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).

Switzerland upgrades its presence in Syria

09.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
Syria has been undergoing fundamental change since the fall of the Assad regime at the end of 2024. This has prompted Switzerland to step up its efforts to promote a political transition and the country's socio-economic development. Its existing humanitarian office was therefore upgraded to a cooperation office at the beginning of 2026. SDC Director General Patricia Danzi and Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, head of the FDFA's MENA Division, officially opened the cooperation office in Damascus on 8 July 2026. They also saw for themselves what Switzerland is now doing on the ground.

20 years in the service of human rights

08.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
The 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has concluded in Geneva. The Human Rights Council marked its 20th anniversary on 19 June 2026. Switzerland worked towards its foundation, thus helping to establish a body that furthers state-level accountability and helps drive the development of international human rights standards. The session that ended today focused on women's rights and gender equality. Switzerland advocated strongly for an end to forced marriage and violence against women and girls in various contexts.

Thomas Gass elected chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee

08.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
On 8 July, the members of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC) elected Ambassador Thomas Gass as their next chair. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) supported his candidacy and welcome his election.

Schweiz setzt im Libanon in einem Schlüsselmoment diplomatische und humanitäre Akzente

06.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
Patricia Danzi, die Direktorin der Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit (DEZA), und Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, Chefin der Abteilung Mittlerer Osten und Nordafrika des Staatssekretariats des EDA, haben vom 3. bis 5. Juli 2026 im Libanon politische Gespräche geführt und sich ein Bild von der humanitären Situation der Bevölkerung gemacht. Einige Tage nach dem Abschluss des trilateralen Rahmenabkommens zwischen den USA, Libanon und Israel unterstrichen sie die Bereitschaft der Schweiz, in einem für die Region wichtigen Moment Gute Dienste zu leisten. Zudem überprüften sie, wie die im März vom EDA zugesagte Nothilfe im Libanon umgesetzt wird.

OSCE press release: OSCE Chairman-in-Office addressed the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Annual Session

04.07.2026 — Press releases EDA
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, presented Switzerland’s priorities and guiding principles for its Chairpersonship to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on the opening ceremony of its 33rd Annual Session in the The Hague, Netherlands.

Media (3690)

Switzerland appeals to release all Political Prisoners in Myanmar

15.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss government is concerned about reports of deterioration in the state of health of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her transfer to a prison. The Swiss Government appeals to the Government of Myanmar to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners in the country, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Reception of the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Bern

14.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
Today President Merz received the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on a visit to Bern. Along with bilateral relations, topics of discussion focussed on the European policies of both countries, the impact of the financial crisis on Switzerland and the Ukraine and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Talks of Swiss Foreign Minister in Stockholm

13.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, participated in talks in Stockholm on 13 May to which her Swedish counterpart Carl Bildt had invited a number of representatives of European states that do not belong to the European Union.

Federal Council takes decision to sign amended Agreement on the Carriage of Goods between Switzerland and the EU

13.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has approved the changes in the international movement of goods and has taken the decision to sign the amended Agreement on the Carriage of Goods between Switzerland and the EU. The amendments are based on the new EU security requirements for the international movement of goods. After the signing, parliament will take the decision on approving the revised agreement. Subject to the approval of the committees in charge, it should be implemented provisionally from 1 July 2009.

Council of Europe ministers’ meeting in Madrid

11.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel to Madrid on 11-12 May 2009 to attend the Committee of Ministers meeting of the Council of Europe. The event will enable Switzerland to prepare its presidency of the Council of Europe, which begins on 18 November 2009 and will end in mid-May 2010.

Switzerland welcomes the release of US-Iranian citizen Saberi

11.05.2009 — Press releases EDA

Visit of the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko to Bern

06.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 14 May 2009 President Merz will receive the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Bern, in the presence of the Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey. Along with bilateral relations, topics of discussion will focus on the European policies and multilateral cooperation of both countries.

Official working visit to Bern by Macedonian foreign minister Antonio Milososki

04.05.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 4 May Macedonian foreign minister Antonio Milososki made an official working visit to Bern, where he held talks with his counterpart Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey.

Switzerland provides humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka and renews its appeals for compliance with international law

30.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
In light of the dramatic situation in the north of Sri Lanka, the FDFA is providing emergency humanitarian aid and continues to insist on compliance with international humanitarian law. The victims of the conflict must be protected and helped, and access by humanitarian actors must be guaranteed.

Mobutu assets to remain frozen awaiting outcome of complaints procedure

30.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss government (Federal Council) was informed on 27 April 2009 of the lodging of a complaint with the Federal Criminal Court. This procedure was initiated by a private person in reaction to the decision of the Office of the Attorney General not to act upon the criminal complaint lodged in January 2009 with regard to the Mobutu assets. In order to give the Court sufficient time to consider the new complaint, the Federal Council has decided that the assets shall remain frozen until 31 October 2009, rather than as originally intended until 30 April 2009.

Appointment of a Head of Post in Genoa

30.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs announces the following appointment:

Conclusion of the Durban Review Conference in Geneva

24.04.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Durban Review Conference has sent a strong message to the victims of racism thanks to the final text it adopted by consensus. It also constitutes an unequivocal statement by the international community in support of the fight against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. The follow-up process to the 2001 Durban Conference has advanced the fight against racism in Switzerland. Civil society was a very active partner both during the Conference itself as well as in the margins. The demonstrations organised by civil society this week were orderly and peaceful.

Other news (151)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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