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.
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.
22.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
Die Schweiz und die Europäische Union (EU) haben am 22. Dezember das Abkommen über die gegenseitige Anerkennung von Konformitätsbewertungen (Mutual Recognition Agreement; MRA) aktualisiert. Mit dieser Anpassung kann der gegenseitige Marktzugang in den Sektoren Medizinprodukte, persönliche Schutzausrüstungen, Gasverbrauchseinrichtungen und Seilbahnen aufrechterhalten werden. Die Änderungen treten ab sofort in Kraft. Mit einer Anpassung im Juli 2017 waren bereits sieben der zwanzig vom MRA abgedeckten Produktbereiche aktualisiert worden.
21.12.2017
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EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has met with Aurelia Frick, the foreign minister of the Principality of Liechtenstein, in Bern. The discussion between the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA and his Liechtenstein counterpart underscored the high quality of bilateral relations between the two states. The meeting covered bilateral topics including current European policy issues and international challenges.
21.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has opened a humanitarian office in Damascus to improve access to those in need, and to monitor and coordinate projects more closely. Up to now, Switzerland mainly provided humanitarian aid to people in need through one of its representations in neighbouring countries. The humanitarian effort in connection with the Syria crisis is currently Switzerland's biggest humanitarian operation.
20.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
As part of structural reforms decided by the Federal Council on 8 November 2017 and on the basis of a review of the network of representations, the FDFA proposed the closing of the Swiss consulates general in Karachi (Pakistan) and Los Angeles (US).
20.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2017, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the freeze on the assets of ousted presidents Ben Ali (Tunisia) and Yanukovych (Ukraine) and their entourages. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states. Taking note of the recent closing of the mutual legal assistance procedures between Switzerland and Egypt, the Federal Council decided to lift with immediate effect the freeze on assets in the context of this country.
19.12.2017
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EDA
At their first meeting, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian brought the issue of the tax regime at Basel-Mulhouse (EuroAirport) to a conclusion: the agreement regulating Swiss companies operating at EuroAirport will be applicable from next year. The two foreign ministers' working meeting also focused on other bilateral issues, the situation in Europe and Switzerland's policy with regard to the EU.
18.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland’s iconic mountains drew particular international attention this year because of a number of natural events linked to climate change. At the same time, the victories of Federer, the Swiss financial centre and a number of popular votes also attracted the attention of foreign media. And according to the Nation Brands Index 2017, Switzerland enjoys a good image abroad overall, retaining its 8th place out of a total of 50 countries.
15.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
On 19 December, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will make an official working visit to Paris. During his visit he will meet with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. On the agenda are various bilateral issues, relations between Switzerland and the EU and topical international issues.
15.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
Thomas Schneider has been appointed consul general of Switzerland in Los Angeles. He will take up his post in January 2018.
14.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
On Thursday, 14 December, President Doris Leuthard received Bolivian President Evo Morales Ayma, who was paying a working visit to Bern. Discussions focused in particular on infrastructure, economic and trade relations, the rule of law and the SDC’s country programme on Bolivia. The two presidents were present at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two parties on cooperation on the Corredor Tren bioceánico project.
08.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
A number of staff changes have been announced for 2018 for several Swiss representations abroad, the Swiss mission in Geneva, the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and the Federal Chancellery. The changes will take place as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state.
07.12.2017
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland considers that, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 478, any solution to the conflict in the Middle East must be based on a comprehensive and negotiated agreement on the final status of Jerusalem which respects the rights and aspirations of all concerned parties.