All news (3880)
Ukraine reconstruction agreement enters into force
09.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The bilateral agreement establishes the legal basis for greater involvement of Swiss companies in rebuilding Ukraine's infrastructure and economy.
Switzerland promotes dialogue and mediation at the Geneva Peace Forum
09.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Geneva Peace Forum will take place at the Geneva International Conference Centre from 12 to 15 October 2026. The event, taking place this year under the motto ‘Choose Peace’, brings together representatives from politics, international organisations, civil society and academia. The FDFA is one of the forum’s strategic partners, as the promotion of peace and prosperity is a foreign policy priority for Switzerland. State Secretary Alexandre Fasel will speak at the opening and take part in a high-level panel discussion on peace mediation.
The impact of AI on human rights
07.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, which has concluded in Geneva, focused on examining artificial intelligence (AI) and the risks it poses to human rights, as well as the opportunities it offers for strengthening their protection. Switzerland led a coalition of states that brought about the adoption of two resolutions on transitional justice, an area in which AI has the potential to make a major difference.
Swiss OSCE chairpersonship presents roadmap for the prevention and eradication of torture
06.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
In its role as chair of the OSCE for 2026, Switzerland today is presenting a roadmap at the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference, setting out how torture can be prevented more effectively, how ill-treatment can be consistently prosecuted, and how victims can be better protected.
OSCE press release on the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference
05.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The conference provides a platform for participating States, OSCE institutions and structures, national human rights institutions and civil society to take stock of the implementation of OSCE human dimension commitments and discuss developments affecting democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the OSCE region. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ignazio Cassis (via video message), the OSCE Secretary-General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, and the FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel also took part in the conference.
New ambassadors and changes at head office
02.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Ambassadorial titles have been awarded and the following personnel changes have been decided on for 2026 and 2027 in the external network as well as at FDFA head office and the Federal Chancellery. This comes as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and is based on appointments made by the Federal Council.
Ukraine: Federal Council approves additional Swiss private-sector projects
02.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
On 2 October, the Federal Council decided to fund eight projects by Swiss companies to support reconstruction in Ukraine. The projects were selected through a competitive selection process.
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel meets Turkish deputy foreign minister in Bern
02.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The meeting took place today as part of annual political consultations between Switzerland and Turkey. Discussions focused on bilateral relations and the challenges faced by the OSCE. They also covered a variety of regional and international issues.
Presidential visit to India marks first anniversary of free trade agreement
01.10.2026
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Press releases
EDA
President Guy Parmelin will travel to India from 5 to 7 October, where he has been invited to pay a state visit. Talks are scheduled to take place with Indian President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marks the first anniversary of the entry into force of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Mr Parmelin is taking part in a TEPA summit alongside delegations from the other EFTA states and will be accompanied by a delegation of business and academic representatives.
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Germany in Bern
30.09.2026
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Press releases
EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel today received his counterpart from the German Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr, for political talks. Their discussion centred on the close relations between Switzerland and its largest trading partner, Germany, as well as issues relating to competitiveness and security in Europe. The two state secretaries also discussed their countries' respective positions on other geopolitical developments.
Volker Türk visits Bern: dialogue on the role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
30.09.2026
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Beat Jans and State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in Bern on Wednesday 30 September 2026. Discussions focused on the partnership between Switzerland and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the role of International Geneva, and current human rights challenges. Switzerland also renewed its financial support for the OHCHR for the 2026–27 period.
Switzerland and Kuwait celebrate their close ties during an official visit by the Crown Prince
29.09.2026
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Press releases
EDA
The Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, was received by President Guy Parmelin at the Lohn country residence on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. This is a return visit, following Mr Parmelin’s official visit to Kuwait in February. These high-level meetings are being held to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
