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 1093 – 1104 of 3011

Federal Councillor Burkhalter and Foreign Minister Malcorra open up new chapter on cooperation between Switzerland and Argentina

26.05.2016 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will sign an agreement with the Argentinian Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra in Buenos Aires today on expanding cooperation between Switzerland and Argentina. This agreement opens up a new chapter in the countries’ bilateral relations, which are characterised by many shared values. Among other things, the two countries cooperate closely in the area of dealing with the past. Before meeting Ms Malcorra, Mr Burkhalter paid tribute in the ‘Parque de la Memoria’ to the thousands of people who were murdered and disappeared during the military dictatorship. The working visit to Argentina is in line with Switzerland‘s Foreign Policy Strategy 2016-19, one of whose priorities is to establish strategic partnerships with selected states.


Switzerland strengthens process to deal with illicitly acquired assets

25.05.2016 — Press release EDA
At today's session, the Federal Council set 1 July 2016 as the date for the entry into force of the Foreign Illicit Assets Act and related ordinances. Switzerland has thus strengthened its legislative framework to deal comprehensively with the problem of illicitly acquired assets, including the restitution of such assets.


Ukraine: First Swiss aid convoy using rail transport reaches Donetsk

25.05.2016 — Press release EDA
Two more Swiss Humanitarian Aid convoys have delivered water treatment chemicals and medical goods to the conflict zone in Ukraine. For one of these, Swiss Humanitarian Aid, part of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), used rail transport for the first time.


Aid and prospects close to home for refugees: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter visits Swiss-sponsored projects in Lebanon

24.05.2016 — Press release EDA
Having attended the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul where he discussed measures to jointly tackle violent conflict, major humanitarian challenges and the refugee crisis, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, stopped off in Lebanon. In the capital, Beirut, he visited a number of projects in a show of support for the efforts being made by Switzerland and its partner organisations to improve the future prospects of people in Lebanon. There, he spoke among other things with young people about their tough living conditions and their ideas for the future.


Switzerland supports UNDP in crisis prevention and recovery

Malawian youths pledged to ensure peaceful General Elections.

23.05.2016 — Article DEZA

The United Nations Development Programme helps countries to prevent armed conflicts and violence, and to build better and stronger societies in the aftermath of crises. Switzerland will provide additional support to its crisis prevention and recovery programs. On 23 May 2016, Federal Councilor Didier Burkhalter and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark have signed a partnership agreement of CHF 13.8 million at the margins of the World Humanitarian Summit.


Prevention, mediation and future prospects: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter urges comprehensive action to help people in need

The first World Humanitarian Summit will take place in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May 2016.

23.05.2016 — Press release EDA
At the World Humanitarian Summit taking place in Istanbul from 23 to 24 May, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stressed the importance of finding political solutions to an increasing number of crises, conflicts and natural disasters. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), announced Switzerland's intention to step up its commitment to mediation and prevention work, calling for effective relief efforts and greater respect for international humanitarian law. Switzerland works actively to provide aid, find political solutions and tackle the root causes of conflicts so that people are not only given emergency assistance but prospects for the future, reducing the need for forced migration.


New aid consignment on its way to Donetsk

23.05.2016 — Press release EDA
Since 22 May 2016, two Swiss Humanitarian Aid convoys carrying chemicals for water treatment and medical goods have been on their way to the conflict zone in Ukraine. Part of the consignment, containing medical supplies and medicines, will be delivered to the hospital in Kurakhove this morning. In addition, rail transport is being used for the first time.


Appropriate staff for the diplomatic service

20.05.2016 — Press release EDA
In its meeting of 18 May, the Federal Council took note of the content of the evaluation report 'Appropriate staff for the diplomatic service' drawn up by the Control Committee of the Council of States and stated its opinion on the recommendations made in the report.


China and Switzerland in dialogue on human rights

20.05.2016 — Press release EDA
The 14th round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China took place from 17 to 20 May in Beijing. The discussions allowed an open, constructive and mutually critical debate on bilateral human rights issues which are priorities for Switzerland, such as the criminal justice system, including the death penalty, the rights of minorities, strengthening the international human rights protection system as well as business and human rights. The human rights dialogue was held in a confidential framework.


Colombian peace deal to be deposited in Switzerland

19.05.2016 — Press release EDA
The Colombian government and FARC rebels have issued a joint statement stipulating that the final agreement on ending the conflict and building sustainable and long lasting peace in Colombia is to be deposited in Switzerland. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes this statement. The FDFA has been providing specialised expertise for the negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC rebels.


Implementation of foreign policy strategy: Federal Councillor Burkhalter travels to Turkey, Lebanon and South America

19.05.2016 — Press release EDA
On 23 and 24 May 2016, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, will attend the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul and travel on to Lebanon to visit projects supported by Switzerland to provide Syrian refugees with concrete help. On 26 and 27 May, Mr Burkhalter will travel to Argentina and Uruguay for bilateral talks and will meet the descendants of Swiss emigrants in Nueva Helvecia in Uruguay.


New Swiss consul-general in Munich

19.05.2016 — Press release EDA
Markus Thür has been named the new Swiss consul-general in Munich and will assume his new office as of mid-June 2016.

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