Press release

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.

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Object 1189 – 1200 of 3011

Rapport sur les différences entre les cantons dans l’application de l’accord sur la libre circulation des personnes

04.03.2016 — Press release EDA
Le Conseil fédéral a adopté, vendredi, un rapport qui présente plusieurs mesures envisageables pour réduire les différences constatées entre les cantons dans la mise en œuvre de l’accord sur la libre circulation des personnes (ALCP). Les recommandations comprennent notamment l’exercice d’une surveillance plus active de la Confédération et un développement du soutien apporté aux cantons pour appliquer l’ALCP.


The FDFA supports an exhibition on the death penalty in the United States

04.03.2016 — Press release EDA
The abolition of the death penalty throughout the world is a priority for Switzerland's diplomatic human rights efforts, which it pursues through various means and aims at various countries. This exhibition aims to raise awareness and make a positive contribution to the debate on the death penalty in one particular country.


Switzerland commits to stronger environmental protection and research as well as sustainable tourism in the Antarctic

04.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On 4 March 2016, the Federal Council submitted its dispatch to the Federal Assembly on the ratification of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This international agreement strengthens both the protection of the Antarctic environment and Switzerland as a centre for research and innovation. It also harmonises the demand for tourism with the need to preserve this virtually untouched ecosystem. An environmental approval procedure is designed to ensure that scientific and private expeditions do not have a negative impact on the continent's flora and fauna.


Switzerland commits to stronger environmental protection and research as well as sustainable tourism in the Antarctic

04.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On 4 March 2016, the Federal Council submitted its dispatch to the Federal Assembly on the ratification of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This international agreement strengthens both the protection of the Antarctic environment and Switzerland as a centre for research and innovation. It also harmonises the demand for tourism with the need to preserve this virtually untouched ecosystem. An environmental approval procedure is designed to ensure that scientific and private expeditions do not have a negative impact on the continent's flora and fauna.


Switzerland commits to stronger environmental protection and research as well as sustainable tourism in the Antarctic

04.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On 4 March 2016, the Federal Council submitted its dispatch to the Federal Assembly on the ratification of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This international agreement strengthens both the protection of the Antarctic environment and Switzerland as a centre for research and innovation. It also harmonises the demand for tourism with the need to preserve this virtually untouched ecosystem. An environmental approval procedure is designed to ensure that scientific and private expeditions do not have a negative impact on the continent's flora and fauna.


Switzerland continues support for reconciliation and reforms in Sri Lanka and strengthens bilateral relations

03.03.2016 — Press release EDA
A meeting between Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter centred on progress in the reform and reconciliation process in Sri Lanka and the expansion of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the island state in the Indian Ocean. The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on regular political consultations between representatives of the two states. They also agreed to explore the possibility of a migration partnership between Switzerland and Sri Lanka.


Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter visits countries in Africa and Europe

03.03.2016 — Press release EDA
On Monday 7 March, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will set off on a tour during which he will visit four countries in three days. In Africa on Monday the head of the FDFA will visit Burkina Faso, a priority country for Swiss development cooperation. On Tuesday he will arrive in Nigeria, the country in Africa with the largest population and economy, where he will open the new Swiss consulate in the economic capital Lagos. On Wednesday Mr Burkhalter will make an official visit to Malta, before travelling to Slovakia. Slovakia and Malta are the next two countries to assume the six-month presidency of the European Union.


The Asia-Europe Meeting turns 20: Switzerland stresses the role of dialogue between Europe and Asia in rising to common challenges

01.03.2016 — Press release EDA
ASEM Day was held today in Bern 20 years to the day after the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was launched as an inter-regional forum for political dialogue between Asia and Europe. Participants took stock of the development of relations between European and Asian partner states and discussed the current challenges facing the region. In his opening address, Deputy FDFA State Secretary Georges Martin noted that mutual respect is an essential prerequisite for effective and fruitful cooperation between partner countries. Switzerland has been one of the most important platforms for dialogue between Europe and Asia since 2012.


Head of the FDFA Didier Burkhalter receives the minister of foreign affairs of Colombia

01.03.2016 — Press release EDA
Ms María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar met with Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in Bern on Tuesday. She had earlier held talks with FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier in the framework of the fifth round of the regular political consultations between Switzerland and Colombia. The peace process in Colombia, the dynamics within the Pacific Alliance and economic relations between the two countries were among the topics discussed.


FDFA Human Rights Strategy 2016–19: Switzerland steps up its commitment to human rights

Landing of a refugee boat

29.02.2016 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has a new human rights strategy for the 2016–19 period which aims to step up its commitment in this area at the international level. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter presented the new strategy of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) at a high-level discussion as a side-event to the Human Rights Council session in Geneva. The strategy is based on Swiss values, expertise and the opportunities particular to Switzerland in a volatile and ever-changing global context, and sets out the principles and objectives of Switzerland's commitment to human rights.


10 years of the UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter calls for broader commitment to human rights

Opening Address by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the 31st session of the Human Rights Council

29.02.2016 — Press release EDA
In his capacity as representative of the host state, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has taken part in the opening of the main session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Council is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2016. Mr Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, urged the international community to show greater commitment to human rights. Switzerland became a member of the Council on 1 January 2016, for the third time since it was created.


10 years of the UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter calls for broader commitment to human rights

29.02.2016 — Press release EDA
In his capacity as representative of the host state, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has taken part in the opening of the main session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The Council is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2016. Mr Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, urged the international community to show greater commitment to human rights. Switzerland became a member of the Council on 1 January 2016, for the third time since it was created.

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