Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
27.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
27.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
24.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.
23.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.
22.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to support the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with a total amount of CHF 49.5 million between 2025 and 2027. IFAD's overarching goal is to drive forward the fight against poverty and hunger in rural areas. The Federal Council's decision continues Switzerland's support for IFAD, which has been ongoing since 1978.
22.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatch on the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28 (IC Strategy 2025–28). The dispatch outlines the objectives and priorities of Switzerland's international cooperation for the next four years and proposes them to Parliament for approval. The IC Strategy 2025–28 provides for a budget of CHF 11.27 billion over four years. In light of an ever-changing world, the strategy pursues long-term objectives – combating poverty and promoting sustainable development – while maintaining a high degree of flexibility to respond to the many current crises.
21.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 22 May, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Bóka. He will also pay a courtesy visit to President Tamás Sulyok. Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024. Following his visit to Hungary, Mr Cassis will travel to Montenegro on 23 May at the invitation of Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, before meeting Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali in Belgrade on Friday, 24 May.The meetings will focus on Switzerland's bilateral relations with the three countries, European policy and the European security situation.
17.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.
15.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2024, the Federal Council took note of the eighth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Act requires companies intending to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland to declare the services to the competent authority in advance. In 2023, the FDFA received 95 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.
13.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.
08.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.
30.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
24.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.
23.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.
22.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to support the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with a total amount of CHF 49.5 million between 2025 and 2027. IFAD's overarching goal is to drive forward the fight against poverty and hunger in rural areas. The Federal Council's decision continues Switzerland's support for IFAD, which has been ongoing since 1978.
22.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatch on the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28 (IC Strategy 2025–28). The dispatch outlines the objectives and priorities of Switzerland's international cooperation for the next four years and proposes them to Parliament for approval. The IC Strategy 2025–28 provides for a budget of CHF 11.27 billion over four years. In light of an ever-changing world, the strategy pursues long-term objectives – combating poverty and promoting sustainable development – while maintaining a high degree of flexibility to respond to the many current crises.
21.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 22 May, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Bóka. He will also pay a courtesy visit to President Tamás Sulyok. Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024. Following his visit to Hungary, Mr Cassis will travel to Montenegro on 23 May at the invitation of Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, before meeting Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali in Belgrade on Friday, 24 May.The meetings will focus on Switzerland's bilateral relations with the three countries, European policy and the European security situation.
17.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.
15.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2024, the Federal Council took note of the eighth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Act requires companies intending to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland to declare the services to the competent authority in advance. In 2023, the FDFA received 95 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.
13.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.
08.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.
30.04.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.
The SDC, WWF together with the interdepartemental goup IDANE Wasser, have published the first ever report on Switzerland’s water footprint. Finding: 82% of the water required to produce all the goods and services consumed in our country comes from abroad. The report emphasises that Switzerland has a shared responsibility in respect of sustainable water management on a planetary level, and proposes a set of recommendations.
En ratifiant la Convention de l'UNESCO sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles, la Suisse acceptait d'établir tous les quatre ans un rapport sur la situation nationale en matière de diversité culturelle. Le premier d'entre eux sera livré en avril 2012.
On 2 and 3 February 2012 in Bamako, Switzerland and its cooperation partner Mali met to take stock of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries and to launch their new strategy for the years 2012 to 2015. This new strategy formulates Swiss cooperation’s major points of thrust in this west African country over the next four years. The Memorandum of Understanding signed on this occasion paves the way to a new period of cooperation between Mali and Switzerland and defines their common perspectives for the coming years.
The ADEA Triennale on education and training in Africa brings together a range of people working for education on the continent: government ministers, representatives of bilateral and multilateral agencies, members of research networks, NGOs, the private sector and socio-professional organisations. Adapting education systems to the challenges of sustainable development is the focus of the broad dialogue. The event takes place from 12-17 February 2012 in Ouagadougou and is organised by the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), a longstanding partner of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
After a year and a half of intensive work, the United Nations High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability has published its final report entitled “Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing”. It contains 56 specific recommendations for achieving the goal of development that is truly sustainable. The recommendations focus on a growing economy which reduces poverty and social disparities and respects the natural limits of our planet.
Thousands of people are still living in appalling conditions in the Horn of Africa – in squalid accommodation, without clean drinking water and without access to schooling. Manuel Bessler, the delegate of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, visited Somalia and Kenya in January 2012 to see the situation for himself. What he saw there confirmed him in his conviction that the Horn of Africa must remain a focus of Switzerland’s humanitarian aid.
09.11.2011 —
EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, for talks in Zurich on 9 November 2011. The topics of the discussion included the Swiss-EU relations, the debt crisis in the eurozone, co-operation on tax issues, and selected international issues.
29.07.2011 —
EDA
The FDFA has noted various new information published in the media regarding the two Swiss citizens kidnapped in Pakistan. The FDFA does not comment on such information.
11.07.2011 —
EDA
Switzerland strengthens its presence in Benghazi, and sends a diplomat to the East Libyan city for the purpose of opening a liaison office. This will be in addition to the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit programme office which has already been up and running for the last four months.
11.03.2011 —
EDA
It is with great consternation that the Federal Council has learned of the natural disaster in the northeast of Japan. Switzerland is ready to send emergency aid to the area, and has already submitted a corresponding offer to the Japanese government.
10.02.2011 —
EDA
On Thursday, 10 February 2011, Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey presented the report “The Blue Peace: Rethinking Middle East Water” to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva. Supported by Switzerland and by the Swedish government, the report compiles a list of 10 recommendations whose objective is to contribute to building peace and to reducing the conflicts in the Middle East thanks to a sustainable trans-border management of water in the region.
06.01.2011 —
EDA
6 January 2011 marks 50 years of Switzerland representing American interests in Cuba. Switzerland accepted the mandate in 1961 following the Cuban revolution which led to the break-off of relations between Cuba and the US.