All news (30)
Homes destroyed by the tsunami and war: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter visits Swiss reconstruction project in Sri Lanka
18.03.2015
—
Press release
EDA
In Sri Lanka, Switzerland is supporting the reconstruction of homes and villages that were destroyed by the tsunami in 2004 and the civil war that ended in 2009. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has visited Akkarai, a village in Jaffna in the north of the country.
Fresh impetus in bilateral relationship: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter holds political talks in Sri Lanka (last modification, the 17.03.2015)
17.03.2015
—
Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has held talks with representatives of the new government and of the Tamil population in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo. The talks focused on the national reconciliation process and dealing with the past as well as on ways in which bilateral cooperation can be stepped up in areas such as the economy.
Switzerland to take part in the memorial ceremony for the victims of the 2004 tsunami
19.12.2014
—
Press release
EDA
Ten years after the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed more than 225,000 people, rendered millions homeless and caused massive destruction in 13 countries, various events will take place to remember the disaster of 26 December 2004. Switzerland will take part in memorial ceremonies in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India. The 2004 tsunami claimed the lives of 113 Swiss nationals. Switzerland supported the emergency aid and reconstruction efforts within the framework of the Swiss Confederation's Humanitarian Aid.
Topical politics and historical events: President Burkhalter meets representatives of the Belgian government in Brussels, and attends commemoration of First World War casualties in Ypres
14.11.2014
—
Press release
EDA
Today's visit of President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter to Belgium has two distinct parts. This morning he was received by Philippe, King of the Belgians, and held political talks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders. The afternoon is dedicated to commemorating the suffering and the victims of the First World War, when President Burkhalter will visit a trench system from that time in Ypres, and take part in a ceremony of remembrance with three classes of Swiss schoolchildren. For President Burkhalter, visiting the former battlefields in West Flanders is symbolic of the ongoing need to do everything possible to secure peace.
UN Human Rights Council adopts Swiss resolution on peaceful protests
28.03.2014
—
Press release
EDA
The 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which was opened on 3 March 2014 by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr Didier Burkhalter, has ended today. The council adopted a resolution put forward by Switzerland regarding the protection of human rights during peaceful protest. It also discussed the human rights situation in Syria, North Korea, Myanmar, the Central African Republic, Sri Lanka, Iran, Mali and the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory.
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.
