All news (3327)
Ignazio Cassis meets cantonal government of Ticino in Bellinzona
25.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was welcomed by the cantonal government of Ticino in Bellinzona today as part of regular political dialogue. It was an opportunity to meet the new executive following the cantonal elections in April and to carry out an initial review of the work carried out in the current legislative period on topics of common interest, such as cross-border relations and the promotion of Italian language and culture and multilingualism. Positive results were achieved in both areas.
Partnership for Peace: Switzerland and NATO set cooperation targets for 2023 and 2024
21.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland and NATO have defined the objectives of their cooperation for 2023 and 2024 in a non-legally binding Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP). The ITPP was concluded under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and affirms the Federal Council’s intention to strengthen international cooperation in the area of security policy.
Peace process in Colombia: Switzerland to serve as guarantor state in negotiations between government and rebels
20.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
As part of its long-standing peace policy in Colombia, Switzerland is taking on an official mandate at the request of the Colombian government and the rebel group EMC (Estado Mayor Central) as guarantor of the new peace process due to begin in the near future. The mandate is a signal of recognition of Switzerland's commitment to peace and its diplomatic efforts.
Greater cooperation with Slovakia
19.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland and Slovakia have signed a bilateral agreement on 19 September 2023 on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland will support programmes in Slovakia in the areas of vocational training, sustainable tourism and healthcare amounting to CHF 44.2 million. This means that all 13 bilateral implementation agreements for the second Swiss contribution to strengthen cohesion are under wraps.
Switzerland welcomes US-Iran prisoner swap
18.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes the humanitarian gesture of the US and Iran that has led to the successful exchange of five American and five Iranian prisoners, who can now go home to their families. Switzerland helped facilitate the prisoner exchange by providing its good offices. The FDFA would like to thank all the countries involved for the trust they placed in Switzerland.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at UN in New York after consolidating Swiss partnership with Canada
18.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly in Ottawa. Talks centred on further developing Swiss–Canadian ties in the fields of economy, research, environment and human rights. Next step: 18 to 20 September in New York and the opening week of the UN General Assembly. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis and his delegation will also attend thematic events and bilateral meetings, which will focus on the war in Ukraine, combating pollution, and guaranteeing respect for the rule of law and international humanitarian law.
Strengthening Swiss–Canada ties: visit by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis
16.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 18 September 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will meet the Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly in Ottawa for bilateral talks. The intensification of bilateral relations in business, research, the environment and human rights will be at the heart of this exchange. Switzerland and Canada share common values and close economic and cultural ties.
Ukraine digitalising public services with Swiss support
15.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 September 2023, the Federal Council approved additional support for digitalisation in Ukraine. This will enable citizens, refugees and businesses to access public services and have a political say despite the ongoing war. The 'E-governance for Accountability and Participation' (EGAP) project will receive a contribution of CHF 15 million this year.
Looking ahead to the 78th UN General Assembly
15.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 September, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The main items on the agenda are the international financial architecture, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, international law and UN reforms. The 78th session of the UNGA will open next Tuesday in New York. President of the Confederation Alain Berset and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will represent Switzerland.
FDFA renews support for Swiss Water and Sanitation Consortium
14.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
A world with adequate and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene for all is essential. The FDFA is therefore renewing its budget for the Swiss Water and Sanitation Consortium for 2023–27 with a total of 12 million francs. The fund helps ensure access to basic sanitation facilities for vulnerable communities in 13 countries throughout Africa and Asia.
Swiss aid operation in Greece concluded
11.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss deployment to fight forest fires and support Greece after the floods came to an end on Sunday evening, 10 September 2023. In the initial phase, the team supported the Greek authorities in fire-fighting operations for five days with Swiss army helicopters. In the second phase, the team focused on the flooded areas of central Greece. Three Super Puma helicopters were used to transport people and distribute material. Today, Monday, the helicopters and their crews as well as the Swiss Humanitarian Aid rapid response team returned to Switzerland.
Greece: Swiss relief operation refocused on flooding
07.09.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss operation to fight forest fires in Greece was completed on Thursday evening, 7 September 2023. The fires were brought under control. The Greek authorities have now appealed to Switzerland to adapt its relief operation to provide assistance to the areas affected by flooding. Switzerland is therefore continuing its humanitarian relief operation and, starting tomorrow, will be the first country to support the Greek authorities in tackling the flooding in the Thessaly region. Three Swiss Armed Forces helicopters have been deployed to transport people and supplies.
