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 757 – 768 of 3011

#NotATarget – Legal and political aspects of protecting health workers, patients and medical facilities in conflict zones at the centre of the annual Day of Public International Law

23.11.2017 — Press release EDA
The FDFA's annual Day of Public International Law was held this year on 23 November under the joint aegis of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at the ICRC Humanitarium in Geneva. The afternoon discussions saw speakers from civil society as well as academic, diplomatic and humanitarian circles address the highly topical issue of protecting medical personnel and facilities in conflict zones. The talks resulted in a number of proposals to improve the situation.


President of the Swiss Confederation Doris Leuthard receives President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker

23.11.2017 — Press release EDA
President Doris Leuthard met with the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker today in Bern. Ms Leuthard, who was accompanied by Federal Councillors Alain Berset and Ignazio Cassis, and Mr Juncker reiterated the importance and diversity of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). They drew a positive assessment of the progress made this year in several areas and agreed on the next steps. Ms Leuthard and Mr Juncker also reiterated their desire to develop the bilateral approach.


Ignazio Cassis in Rome on his first foreign trip

21.11.2017 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, travelled to Rome on Tuesday for his first trip abroad. Mr Cassis chose Italy as his first foreign destination to underscore the importance Switzerland attaches to this neighbouring country, with which he intends to strengthen already very close ties. "With this visit, I hope to reaffirm our friendship and open new avenues for dialogue with Italy," said Mr Cassis after his meeting with Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano. The two men discussed bilateral issues, focusing on tax matters that still remain to be settled.


Asia-Europe Meeting: Switzerland calls for joint commitment

21.11.2017 — Press release EDA
States must act jointly to find sustainable solutions to global or regional challenges. This was the message conveyed by FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl at this year's meeting of Asian and European foreign ministers (ASEM) in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw. ASEM has served since 1996 as an interregional forum for multilateral dialogue between Europe and Asia. Between them, the 53 ASEM member states account for around 60% of the planet's GDP, population and trade.


Tunisian delegation in Switzerland for bilateral and interdisciplinary exchange on preventing violent extremism and combating terrorism

20.11.2017 — Press release EDA
A delegation comprising eight representatives from the Tunisian national counter-terrorism commission and other ministries is currently in Switzerland for a bilateral exchange on preventing violent extremism (PVE) and combating terrorism. The visit, initiated and organised by the FDFA, is one of the concrete results to have emerged from the declaration of intent signed by the Swiss and Tunisian governments on cooperation in PVE and reflects the will of both countries to take action.


Fine della COP23: un segnale chiaro per il clima da parte della comunità internazionale

18.11.2017 — Press release EDA
Si è conclusa a Bonn il 18 novembre 2017 la 23a Conferenza delle Nazioni Unite sul clima (COP23). Nell'ambito della Conferenza presieduta dalle Isole Figi, gli Stati hanno espresso il loro impegno a favore del clima e dell'Accordo di Parigi. Inoltre hanno trovato un accordo sui documenti di base che riassumono le diverse posizioni su tutti i punti da negoziare per elaborare le regole di attuazione dell'accordo. Dette regole dovrebbero essere adottate nel 2018 nel corso della prossima Conferenza per il clima.


Ignazio Cassis in Rome on his first foreign visit

17.11.2017 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Rome on Tuesday for a working visit, including a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano. The goal of this first visit of the new head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will be to review bilateral matters and key issues of international policy. During this first visit, Mr Cassis is keen to underline the importance Switzerland attaches to its relationship with Italy and to become acquainted with the Italian foreign minister.


Sudan: Kidnapped Swiss national has been freed

15.11.2017 — Press release EDA
The Swiss woman who was kidnapped on 7 October 2017 in the city of El-Fasher in North Darfur, Sudan, was released on 14 November 2017. She is in good health under the circumstances.


Central Mediterranean Region: Better Protection of Refugees and Migrants and the Fight against Smugglers

13.11.2017 — Press release EDA
There is a need for stronger protection of refugees’ and migrants’ basic rights. This is a central theme of the declaration adopted in Bern on 13 November 2017 by the representatives of thirteen European and African countries situated on both sides of the Central Mediterranean Sea. The representatives met for the third meeting of the Central Mediterranean Contact Group, which was also attended by representatives of the EU, the UNHCR, the IOM and the ICRC. The participants intend to address the challenges posed by the alarming situation along the migration route to North Africa by strengthening the prevention of migrant smuggling, combating human trafficking and supporting the voluntary return of migrants to their countries of origin.


UN Human Rights Council reviews human rights situation in Switzerland

09.11.2017 — Press release EDA
As part of the regular Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Switzerland within the United Nations Human Rights Council, 111 member states submitted a number of recommendations on improving the human rights situation in Switzerland. The recommendations concern in particular discrimination, gender equality and migration. Switzerland now has three months to take a position.



Markus Seiler new head of the FDFA’s General Secretariat

08.11.2017 — Press release EDA
On 8 November 2017, Markus René Seiler was appointed as the next general secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) on the recommendation of the head of the department, Ignazio Cassis. Mr Seiler, who is currently the head of the Federal Intelligence Service, will take up his new position on 1 December.

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