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.
02.07.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims to deploy its funds more effectively and efficiently in future to help the poorest and most vulnerable communities. It has therefore altered its approach to cooperating with Swiss non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in response to changed circumstances. In order to ensure a fair and comprehensible distribution of federal government contributions, it has established a transparent system of allocation and set new upper limits. The SDC is also seeking to boost innovation and intensify competition among NGOs.
02.07.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The AVIS28 Working Group set up by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in October 2018 submitted its report in Bern today. Entitled 'Switzerland in the world in 2028', the document analyses the challenges ahead and proposes a range of options for adapting Swiss foreign policy instruments to future realities. To consolidate Switzerland's position in an increasingly unstable world, the working group recommends developing a whole-of-Switzerland approach involving all national stakeholders, as well as a more targeted, better interconnected and more reactive foreign policy.
27.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
At the request of the parties, Switzerland is acting as a facilitator in the crisis in north-western and south-western Cameroon. To this end, a second preparatory meeting with various Cameroonian opposition groups took place in Switzerland between 25 and 27 June 2019.
27.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council wants to involve Parliament in a more targeted manner in soft law projects. This is because although not legally binding, soft law can be politically effective. In line with postulate 18.4104, the Federal Council notes that soft law has become an instrument used to shape international relations. At its session of 26 June, the Federal Council adopted a report outlining ways for Parliament to be involved in a more targeted manner in soft law projects while maintaining the constitutional balance of powers and Switzerland's ability to conduct foreign policy. In particular, the Federal Council aims to improve the provision of information and reporting to Parliament and to step up exchanges between the two bodies on soft law.
26.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The Directorate of Political Affairs at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) issued a ban on services provided by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates based on the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). The Directorate has also filed a report with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland.
21.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
International cooperation is now inconceivable without partnerships with public and private institutions. Several successful partnerships were presented at the Annual Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation organised jointly by the SDC and SECO. Over 1,200 people attended this year's conference in Fribourg, which focused on youth.
20.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
On Thursday, 20 June, President Ueli Maurer received Colombian President Iván Duque for a working meeting at the Bernerhof, where talks covered bilateral issues including economic affairs, as well as the situation in Colombia and in the neighbouring country of Venezuela.
19.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
La Suisse condamne avec la plus grande fermeté les nouvelles attaques commises les 17 et 18 juin dans la région de Mopti (centre du Mali). Parmi les victimes de ces actes épouvantables figurent des membres d’une association partenaire de la coopération Suisse au Mali.
19.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
On 19 June 2019, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for the third time in nine months. At their working meeting, which took place in Moscow, bilateral relations, the Council of Europe and Ukraine were among the topics discussed. The previous evening, both had attended the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy in Moscow.
17.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
On Monday, at an event in Bern to mark Switzerland's 70-year membership of UNESCO, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis acknowledged "the commitment of those who work for the preservation of memory and development of knowledge". Speaking to an audience of representatives from international organisations, federal offices, the cantons and civil society, Mr Cassis highlighted UNESCO's power of mobilisation and the need for reform to address the challenges of the digital age. He also referred to Switzerland's candidacy for election to the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2020–23.
14.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting of 14 June 2019, the Federal Council decided to institutionalise the current House of Switzerland (HoS) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Under the aegis of Presence Switzerland, the HoS will be established in the home stadium of Hockey Club Davos to serve as a communication and networking platform for the official Swiss delegation to the WEF.
13.06.2019
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will pay a working visit to Russia from 18 to 19 June 2019. The visit will focus on a working meeting with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy building in Moscow.
Last update 23.04.2025
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