All news (3266)
Swiss national human rights institution established in Bern
23.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss national human rights institution (NHRI) was inaugurated on Tuesday 23 May in Bern. Its creation is the culmination of a political process which has taken over 20 years. The mission of the NHRI, an independent institution, will be to contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights in Switzerland by working with the federal, cantonal and communal authorities, as well as with all other relevant actors.
Ignazio Cassis meets Icelandic foreign minister in Zurich
22.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
On Monday afternoon, 22 May 2023, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, received his Icelandic counterpart, Þórdís Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, for an official working visit in Zurich. They discussed bilateral relations, the two countries' work in the Council of Europe, and the future path of Europe.
Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme launched
22.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
On 22 May 2023, the Ambassador of Switzerland and the Lithuanian Minister of Finance signed the implementation agreement for the Swiss-Lithuanian Cooperation Programme under the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. The contribution to Lithuania amounts to 45.2 million Swiss francs and will support programmes in Lithuania in the fields of health, civic participation and vocational education.
Commencement Ceremony
21.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
Remarks by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the Commencement Ceremony at Franklin University - Check against delivery
Switzerland committed to tackling poverty and climate change in Africa
17.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is contributing CHF 212 million to the 16th replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF). The funds are deployed in the 37 poorest countries in Africa to fight poverty and climate change. They are intended to help achieve the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. On 17 May, the Federal Council also decided that Switzerland would contribute CHF 27.5 million towards the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI).
Switzerland works to shed light on past deployments of chemical weapons and prevent their future use
15.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
The Fifth Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) will take place in The Hague from 15 to 19 May. The CWC seeks the permanent and verifiable destruction of all chemical weapons worldwide. At the conference, the 193 states parties, including Switzerland, will review progress towards implementation of the CWC and set priorities for the coming years. Repeated use of chemical weapons, notably in Syria, and the current geopolitical situation pose major challenges for the conference. Switzerland is committed to the scientific clarification of all uses of chemical weapons and seeks to strengthen the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in order to send a strong message against such weapons.
Livia Leu named Swiss ambassador to Germany
10.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 10 May 2023, the Federal Council appointed State Secretary Livia Leu as Swiss ambassador to Germany. She will take up her new post in autumn 2023, replacing Paul Seger, who is retiring. The FDFA is appointing a selection committee to select Livia Leu's successor. The Federal Council has announced further appointments as part of the usual transfer rotation.
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu holds political consultations with Kosovo
09.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
On 9 May, FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu held political consultations in Bern with Kosovo's Deputy Foreign Minister Kreshnik Ahmeti. The meeting focused on bilateral matters, the relations between Kosovo and Serbia, Swiss support for the EU normalisation process between the two countries and the implications for the Western Balkans of the war against Ukraine.
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu holds political consultations with Serbia
04.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu held political consultations with Serbian State Secretary Goran Aleksić in Bern on 4 May 2023. The talks focused on security in the Western Balkans and current relations between Serbia and Kosovo. Switzerland actively supports the EU’s normalisation process between Serbia and Kosovo. Serbia is Switzerland's most important economic partner in the Western Balkans. Other key elements of Swiss-Serbian bilateral relations include migration cooperation and activities undertaken by the SDC and SECO.
UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Cassis calls for mutual trust for peace and security
03.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chaired an open debate of the UN Security Council on 3 May 2023. The focus was placed on building mutual trust through a recognised normative framework, inclusion and science-based evidence to promote sustainable peace. In view of the current conflicts and crises, building mutual trust is more important than ever.
President Berset to represent Switzerland at the coronation of Charles III
02.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
The President of the Confederation, Alain Berset, will attend the coronation celebrations of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London. He will represent Switzerland at the ceremony, thus underlining the excellent relations with the UK. The reception by the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family will be held at Buckingham Palace on Friday, prior to the coronation at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to chair UN Security Council
01.05.2023
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will travel to New York from 3 to 4 May 2023. Switzerland holds the presidency of the UN Security Council this May. Mr Cassis will chair Switzerland's first flagship event at the Security Council on 3 May on the topic of 'building sustainable peace'. Also on the agenda are the Security Council's annual briefing on promoting cooperation between the UN and the OSCE and various bilateral meetings.
