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.
20.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 19 and 20 November. In Riyadh he paid a working visit to the foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah bin Faisal Al Saud and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Aljubeir. The topics discussed included the stability and security of the region, Switzerland's protecting power mandate, economic cooperation, sustainable development and human rights.
19.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
On 19 November 2021, Switzerland presided the election of the members of the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission (IHFFC). Established under Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, the IHFFC is the only permanent international treaty-based body mandated to respond to incidents relating to international humanitarian law. Switzerland runs the secretariat of the IHFFC.
18.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), made an official visit to Slovenia today. Slovenia currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. In Ljubljana, Mr Cassis met with his counterpart Anže Logar and paid a courtesy call to President Borut Pahor. The main items on the agenda were European policy, bilateral relations and Switzerland's commitment to the Western Balkans.
17.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
On 16 and 17 November 2021, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination examined Switzerland's latest periodic report on its implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). A delegation from the federal government and the cantons presented the report in Geneva and answered questions from committee members.
16.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will visit Ljubljana, Riyadh and Tripoli from 18 to 21 November 2021. The trip to Slovenia, which currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, will provide an opportunity to exchange views on European policy. In Saudi Arabia, the protecting power mandate between Iran and Saudi Arabia will be at the heart of discussions, alongside other issues such as the promotion of dialogue, scientific cooperation, sustainable development, and economic matters including the integration of women in the Saudi labour market. In Libya the focus will be on assessing the current conditions with a view to restoring peace in the country.
16.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
Australian nationals will be allowed to enter Switzerland without a visa from 1 January 2022. The relevant ordinance has been amended accordingly. From the same date, Swiss nationals will get access to the Australian Work and Holiday programme.
15.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
On 15 November 2021, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Brussels to meet with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission. Mr Šefčovič is Switzerland's new point of contact at the European Commission. The talks focused on relations between Switzerland and the European Union.
12.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
In Paris today, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. He spoke in support of the organisation’s new 2022–29 strategy and the adoption of a recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence. Later in the day, he commemorated the 75th anniversary of UNESCO alongside some 30 heads of state and government.
12.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
On 12 November 2021, the city of Paris hosted the most recent international conference on Libya, attended by members of the Berlin Process Political Working Group as well as representatives from Libya's neighbouring countries and interim government. The conference, which is co-chaired by France, Germany, Italy and the UN, supports the political transition in Libya. In his speech, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called for free and fair elections. Switzerland contributes to resolving the conflict in Libya through its peace building efforts and role as host state for the negotiations.
11.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
From 4 February to 13 March 2022, China will host the 24th Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. In view of the uncertainties surrounding the format of the event in China and anticipated measures in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDFA has decided to forgo a physical presence in the form of the House of Switzerland.
11.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
In the year in which Greece celebrates the bicentenary of its independence, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias in Bern. The main topics for the official talks included the two countries' strong bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy, the challenges of migration and current international issues.
11.11.2021
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Press releases
EDA
On National Future Day at the FDFA's head office in Berne, 50 children got the chance to visit the Federal Council Chamber and look over the shoulder of the people who implement Switzerland's foreign affairs.
Last update 23.04.2025
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