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.
15.03.2019
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will take up Switzerland’s seat as governor on the boards of the World Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The decision was taken at today’s Federal Council meeting.
15.03.2019
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland regrets that the United States has adopted measures against officials of the International Criminal Court and threatened to impose further sanctions. It reiterates its support to the Court as an independent institution that prosecutes the most serious crimes and contributes to sustainable peace.
14.03.2019
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Press releases
EDA
From 14 to 15 March 2018, Switzerland took part in the ministerial segment of the 62nd session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna. Switzerland is a member of the Commission during the 2018–21 period.
14.03.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The next ‘Week of the French Language and La Francophonie’ kicks off in Bern on 14 March. Celebrated all over the world to reflect and showcase the diversity of la Francophonie, it will run in Switzerland until 26 March and feature numerous events on the theme of La Francophonie in Africa, combining culture, celebration and conviviality. Events will be held in more than fifteen towns and cities around the country, and in German-speaking Switzerland will focus on bringing together native French speakers and learners of the language.
14.03.2019
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Press releases
EDA
On the occasion of the third Syria conference, held by the EU and UN in Brussels on 14 March 2019, Switzerland is increasing its commitment in response to the Syrian conflict. In 2019 it will allocate CHF 61 million to support the population in need in Syria and neighbouring countries and a further CHF 7 million to promote peace in the region. Switzerland was represented at the conference by the State Secretary of the FDFA Pascale Baeriswyl. In addition to humanitarian engagement, the conference will seek support for a political solution through the UN-led Geneva peace process. Syrian civil society must be involved if there is to be lasting peace, along with efforts to address the massive violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in Syria. Switzerland is pursuing both of these objectives with specific projects.
07.03.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The 63rd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) opens in New York on Monday 11 March 2019. This year's session focuses on social protection systems for women and girls and their access to public services and sustainable infrastructure. The Swiss delegation is led by Federal Councillor Alain Berset.
28.02.2019
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Khemaies Jhinaoui during an official working visit to Bern. The two chief diplomats discussed international development cooperation and economic relations between Switzerland and Tunisia. The issue of migration was also addressed.
26.02.2019
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Press releases
EDA
Four years of armed conflict have submerged Yemen in the most serious humanitarian crisis currently facing the world, with millions of people deprived of water, food and healthcare. At the same time, the conflict is hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid. Switzerland is stepping up its support and has pledged CHF 13.5 million to help the people of Yemen. Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga, representing Switzerland as Vice-President of the Federal Council, announced the pledge today in Geneva at a donor conference organised by Switzerland in conjunction with Sweden and the UN.
20.02.2019
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Press releases
EDA
On 20 February 2019, the Federal Council adopted a new dispatch to strengthen Switzerland's position as a host state during the 2020–23 period. The dispatch aims to consolidate and ensure the long-term development of Switzerland's role as host state. To achieve this goal, the Federal Council took the further step of approving the creation, together with the Canton and City of Geneva, of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GSDA) foundation. To enable the GSDA to pursue its objectives from the outset, the Federal Council also appointed Peter Brabeck-Letmathe and Patrick Aebischer to serve as the foundation's president and vice-president, respectively.
15.02.2019
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Press releases
EDA
In 2019, Switzerland will provide CHF 10 million and deploy experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) to help tackle the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. The humanitarian crisis in eastern Bangladesh, a region that has taken in large numbers refugees, remains acute. The international Joint Response Plan seeks to raise USD 920 million to meet basic needs.
13.02.2019
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council aims to safeguard its close bilateral relations with the United Kingdom after Brexit. At its meeting on 13 February, it decided on arrangements for the admission of British citizens in the event of the United Kingdom’s disorderly withdrawal from the European Union. A separate quota of permits will be made available for British citizens who wish to come to Switzerland to work after 30 March 2019. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will draft amendments to the Ordinance on Admission, Period of Stay and Employment (ASEO) by the end of March.
13.02.2019
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Press releases
EDA
On Wednesday, 13 February, a delegation of the Federal Council headed by President Ueli Maurer, received the Dutch Prime Minister, Mr Mark Rutte, at the Lohn country residence. In addition to bilateral issues, the discussions also covered looming European and international challenges.
Last update 23.04.2025
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