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.
27.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
27.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
24.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.
23.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.
22.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to support the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with a total amount of CHF 49.5 million between 2025 and 2027. IFAD's overarching goal is to drive forward the fight against poverty and hunger in rural areas. The Federal Council's decision continues Switzerland's support for IFAD, which has been ongoing since 1978.
22.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatch on the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28 (IC Strategy 2025–28). The dispatch outlines the objectives and priorities of Switzerland's international cooperation for the next four years and proposes them to Parliament for approval. The IC Strategy 2025–28 provides for a budget of CHF 11.27 billion over four years. In light of an ever-changing world, the strategy pursues long-term objectives – combating poverty and promoting sustainable development – while maintaining a high degree of flexibility to respond to the many current crises.
21.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 22 May, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Bóka. He will also pay a courtesy visit to President Tamás Sulyok. Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024. Following his visit to Hungary, Mr Cassis will travel to Montenegro on 23 May at the invitation of Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, before meeting Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali in Belgrade on Friday, 24 May.The meetings will focus on Switzerland's bilateral relations with the three countries, European policy and the European security situation.
17.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.
15.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2024, the Federal Council took note of the eighth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Act requires companies intending to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland to declare the services to the competent authority in advance. In 2023, the FDFA received 95 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.
13.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.
08.05.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.
30.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 27 May 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Bakary Yaou Sangaré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, in Bern. The official working visit took place within the context of the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between Switzerland and Niger. The talks focused on the prospects for normalisation in Niger and the challenges facing the region.
27.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The Syrian population is still suffering from the consequences of the ongoing conflict that began in 2011, and these are also being felt in neighbouring countries. Switzerland reaffirmed its commitment by pledging CHF 60 million at the 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region on 27 May 2024.
24.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 24 May 2024, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution for the protection of humanitarian and UN personnel in conflict zones. The resolution, which was negotiated and submitted by Switzerland to the Security Council for a vote, highlights the country's long-standing commitment to the protection of civilians – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's 2023–24 term on the council.
23.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel met with Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehmet Kemal Bozay in Ankara on 22 May 2024. The talks focused on bilateral relations, human rights, regional developments, European integration and the war against Ukraine.
22.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to support the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) with a total amount of CHF 49.5 million between 2025 and 2027. IFAD's overarching goal is to drive forward the fight against poverty and hunger in rural areas. The Federal Council's decision continues Switzerland's support for IFAD, which has been ongoing since 1978.
22.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 22 May 2024, the Federal Council adopted the Dispatch on the International Cooperation Strategy 2025–28 (IC Strategy 2025–28). The dispatch outlines the objectives and priorities of Switzerland's international cooperation for the next four years and proposes them to Parliament for approval. The IC Strategy 2025–28 provides for a budget of CHF 11.27 billion over four years. In light of an ever-changing world, the strategy pursues long-term objectives – combating poverty and promoting sustainable development – while maintaining a high degree of flexibility to respond to the many current crises.
21.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 22 May, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Budapest to meet with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó and Minister for European Union Affairs Janos Bóka. He will also pay a courtesy visit to President Tamás Sulyok. Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2024. Following his visit to Hungary, Mr Cassis will travel to Montenegro on 23 May at the invitation of Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, before meeting Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali in Belgrade on Friday, 24 May.The meetings will focus on Switzerland's bilateral relations with the three countries, European policy and the European security situation.
17.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland organised a meeting of the UN Security Council on 17 May 2024 to strengthen collaboration between the scientific community and the council. Incorporating science into the council's decision-making process can foster mutual trust and help prevent conflicts, promoting sustainable peace – a key priority for the Federal Council during Switzerland's Security Council membership in 2023–24.
15.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2024, the Federal Council took note of the eighth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Act requires companies intending to offer private security services abroad from Switzerland to declare the services to the competent authority in advance. In 2023, the FDFA received 95 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.
13.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will attend the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 16 and 17 May 2024, which will be held under the presidency of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The discussions will focus on the war against Ukraine and the adoption of a framework convention on artificial intelligence. Mr Cassis will also take part in the ceremony marking the council's 75th anniversary.
08.05.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, the Federal Council decided to make a contribution of CHF 10 million to the humanitarian aid appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The CHF 10 million contribution is exclusively earmarked for Gaza and will be used to provide the urgent assistance specified in the UNRWA Flash Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory covering the period April–December 2024. In its overall assessment, the Federal Council drew on the analysis of the Colonna report and coordination with other donors. The Federal Council will submit this decision to the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States for consultation.
30.04.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.
The 2013 Annual Development Cooperation Conference of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) took place in Lugano on 27 September under the banner «A fragile world – young people’s perspectives». Speaking after the conference, SDC Director-General Martin Dahinden assesses the results, explains the increased involvement of the SDC in fragile contexts, illustrates the challenges faced by staff in such regions, and gives an account of his own personal experiences in unstable countries and regions.
According to the UN definition, child soldiers are persons under the age of 18 who participate in an armed conflict either directly or indirectly as members of an armed force or group. Children of both sexes serve not only as combatants but also as cooks, guards, porters or messengers and may be deployed on suicide missions. Girls are often sexually abused or victims of forced marriages.
Interview with former child soldier John Kon Kelei from South Sudan
More than 300,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 are involved in more than 14 armed conflicts worldwide. Thirty-year-old John Kon Kelei from South Sudan was once one of them. He was recruited at the age of 4. Kelei, a speaker at the Annual Development Cooperation Conference 2013, was a child soldier for five years in the rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), in Southern Sudan. In a written interview, he describes his experiences and explains what kind of assistance he would like to see for his native country.
Armenian producer and director Hovhannes Galstyan presented Bonded Parallels at the Locarno Festival last August. This was an opportunity to return to the decisive role played by the SDC in his early career and to the development of Caucasian cinema.
With the launch of the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD) in Geneva, researchers from around the world are being called upon to share their knowledge, generate new knowledge and make it accessible to the public. Switzerland provides financial support to this new World Bank instrument and is a member of its steering committee.
Interview with Lukas Rüst, a member of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) who is working as a protection expert in Maban County, South Sudan on sec
Continued fighting in the states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan in the south of Sudan has caused more than 200,000 people to flee to neighbouring South Sudan. Many were forced to leave all of their possessions behind when they fled. Since June 2012, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been providing emergency aid to more than 115,000 people in the north of South Sudan (Upper Nile state). The UNHCR and its partners are offering these displaced people protection in four refugee camps in Maban County. This emergency aid operation is taking place in a very remote region, which makes it very demanding from a logistical perspective. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is supporting this humanitarian operation through multilateral contributions and the secondment of experts. Protection is one of the priorities for the SDC in South Sudan.
Georgian film director Rusudan Pirveli has had the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) for much of her career. Selected for the Open Doors competition of the Locarno International Film Festival she presented her Sleeping Lessons project. Interview.
Ethiopian national Segenet Kelemu has been appointed Director-General of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi. The institute, which conducts research on tropical insects to promote development, is funded by a consortium of donors, including the SDC.
«The traditional Forest Sector is undervalued in numerous Countries»
Discussion with Jürgen Blaser, forest expert at the SDC’s Global Programme on Climate Change, Doctor of Natural Sciences, Graduate Engineer in Forestry from the Zurich Federal Institute of Technology (EPFZ), and Professor of International Forestry at the Bern University of Applied Sciences.
Switzerland signed on the July 9th 2013, with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan an agreement for humanitarian assistance, technical and financial Cooperation. This agreement will reinforce the ties of friendship between the two countries and will contribute to a deepening of the bilateral relations.
Reform to ensure a more efficient and effective UN development system is one of Switzerland’s main focuses at the annual session of the UN Economic and Social Council in Geneva.
Interview with Nicolas Guigas, deputy director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan
The break-up of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991 had many consequences for the countries of Central Asia. Relations between the regions were severed, internal and international conflicts broke out, and economic growth stagnated. Between 1992 and 1997, Tajikistan sank into a civil war that destroyed most of its limited economic and social infrastructure. Today, almost half of the country's 7.6 million inhabitants live in dire poverty. First active in Tajikistan in the context of humanitarian assistance in 1993, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) set up a Cooperation Office in Dushanbe in 1997. Now it has been promoting economic, political and social stability in Tajikistan for 15 years.