Press releases

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Switzerland conducts first political consultations with Kenya

07.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
One year after the agreement to hold regular political talks in future, the head of the FDFA's Africa Division, Ambassador Philipp Stalder, travelled to Nairobi for political consultations. Talks revolved around bilateral issues, economic and trade relations, Switzerland's role in the UN Security Council and climate change. The East African country is a key partner for Switzerland on account of its importance for the political stability of the region and its economic potential.

In Yaoundé, Ignazio Cassis stresses the importance of cooperation between French-speaking countries for stability and peace

05.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
Today was the final day of the 44th Francophonie Ministerial Conference held by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, which focused on the topic of good governance. At the conference, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in implementing the IOF's programmes, which seek to promote peace, stability and sustainable development in the French-speaking world.

Ignazio Cassis in Ghana: agenda prioritising economic cooperation and regional stability

03.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has met with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on his recent visit to Ghana. The meeting, which took place on Friday 3 November 2023, focused on economic relations, cooperation on climate action, regional security and stability, and collaboration between the two countries at the UN.

Middle East conflict: Federal Council reiterates urgent need to respect international humanitarian law and proposes additional CHF 90 million in humanitarian aid

01.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas since 7 October and calls for the immediate release of all hostages. It recognises Israel's right to ensure its defence and security, and stresses that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties. In view of the extremely alarming humanitarian situation, the Federal Council is proposing to allocate a further CHF 90 million in aid to the region.

Il Consiglio federale adotta un progetto di mandato negoziale sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei con l’Unione europea

01.11.2023 — Press releases EDA
Nella seduta del 1° novembre 2023, il Consiglio federale ha adottato un progetto di mandato negoziale per un accordo con l’Unione europea sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei, i cosiddetti Passenger Name Record (PNR). Tale accordo contribuirà a migliorare lo scambio di informazioni ai fini della cooperazione di polizia, del sostegno alla piazza economica svizzera e della salvaguardia della sicurezza interna dello spazio Schengen.

Ignazio Cassis to visit Ghana then Cameroon for Francophonie Ministerial Conference

31.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will visit West and Central Africa from 3 to 5 November 2023. He will pay a working visit to Ghana where he will meet the Ghanaian president, Mr Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He will then continue to Cameroon, where he will take part in the 44th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé. On this occasion, Mr Cassis will highlight Switzerland's role in global digital governance, particularly in the context of International Geneva.

Peace formula: Switzerland at meeting in Malta for national security advisers on Ukraine

28.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland underscored its continuing support for the peace process in Ukraine at the national security advisers' meeting in Malta. The conference, which was attended by Swiss ambassador Gabriel Lüchinger, included 90 states from all continents and the EU, and focused on the principles and implementation of the peace plan set out by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ignazio Cassis meets members of Graubünden government and residents of Valposchiavo

23.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, travelled today to Poschiavo, where he met with all the members of the Graubünden cantonal council and local residents. The visit is part of the regular political dialogue established with the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden since his election to the Federal Council. Mr Cassis also signed a declaration of intent with the two cantonal governments on the Piccolo Erasmus project, facilitating mutual secondments between the cantonal administrations and the FDFA.

EUSALP in Bad Ragaz: Switzerland hands over the wheel to Slovenia

19.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
The European Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) has served as a joint tool for the Alpine countries and regions to improve cross-border cooperation in the Alps since 2015. During this year's Swiss Presidency (Confederation and cantons), EUSALP has been streamlined in terms of organisation and content to enable it to focus even more closely on its core interests in the future. At today's EUSALP General Assembly in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland handed over the organisation's presidency to Slovenia.

Swiss Business and Human Rights Forum: national platform for promoting best practice

18.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 18 October, SECO and the FDFA's State Secretariat organised the second meeting of the Swiss Business and Human Rights Forum in Bern. Over 350 participants, mainly from the business community, discussed current and future issues relating to respect for human rights in economic activities. With this event, the Swiss government seeks to promote multi-stakeholder dialogue and provide Swiss companies with practical tools and concrete approaches to ensure respect for human rights in their operations.

President of the Republic of Moldova pays official visit to Switzerland

18.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
On Wednesday, 18 October, a Federal Council delegation led by President Alain Berset received Moldovan President Maia Sandu on an official visit to Switzerland. Talks focused on the impact on Moldova of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine as well as bilateral cooperation. The programme for Thursday, 19 October, includes a visit to a pharmaceutical company in Basel and a panel event at ETH Zurich.

Negotiations launched between Colombian government and rebels with Switzerland serving as guarantor state

17.10.2023 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA welcomes the peace negotiations launched yesterday between the Colombian government and rebel group Estado Mayor Central de las FARC-EP (EMC). As part of its long-standing peace policy work in Colombia, Switzerland has, at the parties' request, taken on an official mandate to serve as guarantor of the negotiations. The mandate is a sign of appreciation for Switzerland's commitment to peace and its diplomatic efforts.

Media (3290)

Independent UN institution in Geneva to investigate the fate of missing persons in Syria

25.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 24 April 2024, the UN General Assembly approved funding for an independent institution to investigate cases of missing persons in Syria, to be based in Geneva. As part of its peace policy, Switzerland is firmly committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons. In doing so, it is making a significant contribution to dealing with the past, which is central to peace processes – including in Syria. Switzerland therefore welcomes the international community's decision for the institution to begin its work in International Geneva in 2024.

The SDC and the SNSF continue their collaboration

25.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The r4d programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) came to a close today at a public event in Bern. The two institutions also took the opportunity to launch a new programme called Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D). The two programmes involve the implementation of projects in the fields of health, food security, social conflicts, ecosystems, employment and income in developing countries.

Federal Council consults foreign affairs committees on aid payments to Middle East

24.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 24 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to proceed with the planned use of CHF 56 million of humanitarian funding earmarked for the Middle East. The FDFA has been instructed to consult with the foreign affairs committees on this matter. A decision on the disbursement of the Swiss contribution to UNRWA will be made at a later date.

Ignazio Cassis receives Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern

23.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.

Switzerland strengthens humanitarian demining capacities in Ukraine

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 17–18 April, representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations gathered at an international workshop in Kyiv to discuss measures for identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Good coordination of national activities and international support is crucial to ensure that this work can progress swiftly and effectively. The workshop was co-organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Switzerland, whose delegation at the conference was led by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, has a long history of supporting humanitarian demining through the GICHD and other organisations. Clearing the country of mines is a key prerequisite for Ukraine's recovery.

Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel leads third strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and US

17.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received a US delegation for political consultations in Bern on 17 April. The delegation was led by Assistant Secretary James O'Brien, who is in charge of European and Eurasian affairs at the US Department of State. On the agenda were the many ongoing or recently concluded bilateral negotiations, particularly in the area of taxation, which are concrete examples of the dynamism of bilateral relations.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

IC Forum 2024: 1000 people come together in Basel to discuss the theme of peace

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) concluded today in Basel. Over 1,000 representatives from politics, business, science, and civil society gathered alongside President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, FDFA head Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to discuss the theme of peace promotion. Discussions centred on three core values: critical dialogue, trust, and innovation, all aimed at finding new pathways for tangible and sustainable progress. A highlight of the 2024 forum was the Swiss IC Awards, recognising innovative peace-building projects by Swiss companies.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.

Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 17 to 19 April 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also take place as part of this gathering. In addition, the two Federal Councillors will take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings.

Other news (300)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

29.01.2022 — EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third meeting of the Working Group on Unresolved Issues established by the Joint Committee, supervising the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the basic principles for a mechanism of customs administration and monitoring of trade in goods, signed on 9 November 2011, took place in Bern.

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