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 News Service of the Federal Administration.
23.05.2016
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Press releases
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.
20.05.2016
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Press releases
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.
20.05.2016
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Press releases
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.
19.05.2016
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Press releases
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.
19.05.2016
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Press releases
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.
19.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
Markus Thür has been named the new Swiss consul-general in Munich and will assume his new office as of mid-June 2016.
12.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
The King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was received by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, at Lohn Manor on Thursday, 12 May, for an official working visit. Beforehand FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier held talks with the Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. A number of agreements were signed following the conclusion of technical discussions.
12.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
Corruption must be fought where it originates. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, underlined the importance of preventative measures at the Anti-Corruption Summit in London in his speech and at various bilateral meetings. Switzerland supports projects aimed at reducing the risk of corruption in various countries. Switzerland is also pursuing a proactive policy towards other measures – such as the freezing, confiscation and restitution of the illicit assets of politically exposed persons – and has attained an internationally recognised role in this area.
12.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
Representatives of Switzerland, Poland and Sweden, Member States of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) in Korea, met in Seoul on the 10 - 11 of May 2016 for their annual consultations. The discussion focused on the current situation on the Peninsula and its impact on the activities of the NNSC. The representatives also evaluated the operational tasks of the NNSC including exchange of information and the co-operation with its partners. The NNSC Member States reaffirmed their long-term commitment to contribute to a permanent peace solution on the Korean Peninsula.
11.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
The '1970' interdepartmental working group has not found any indication of a secret agreement concluded in Geneva in September 1970 between Federal Councillor Pierre Graber, or any other Swiss representative, and Farouk Kaddoumi of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). In its report, the working group also states that it did not find any indications that the investigations and procedures conducted by the Swiss prosecution authorities following the Würenlingen air disaster in 1970 had been obstructed. The Federal Council took note of this report on Wednesday, transmitted it to the Control Committees, and authorised its publication in full.
11.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will attend the Anti-Corruption Summit in London on 12 May 2016 at the invitation of British Prime Minister David Cameron. Switzerland has taken various measures to prevent and combat corruption, particularly through efforts focused on changing the conditions that facilitate corruption. For example, improving education and training and allowing greater citizen participation in political decision-making processes can be effective ways to combat corruption.
10.05.2016
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Press releases
EDA
His Majesty Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, will be received by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, during an official working visit on 12 May 2016. The FDFA’s State Secretary Yves Rossier will discuss beforehand various bilateral matters with a Bahraini delegation.
Last update 23.04.2025
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