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.
14.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland is playing an active role at the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which takes place in Vienna from 12 to 16 March. Switzerland was re-elected to the commission on 1 January 2018 for another four-year term. The CND is the UN's central body for drug policy.
12.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
The 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) begins today in New York. This year’s session will focus on achieving gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and girls in rural areas. Switzerland will be represented by a delegation led by FDFA Secretary General Markus Seiler and Director of the Federal Office for Gender Equality Sylvie Durrer.
08.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
During a working visit to Bern on Thursday, 8 March, President Alain Berset and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay reaffirmed the continuing close ties between their two countries. Up until ten years ago, Bhutan was a Swiss development cooperation priority country, but at the end of 2016 the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) ended its activities in the country. The official talks focused on prospects and opportunities under this new chapter in bilateral relations.
07.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA appeals for a rapid and effective cessation of hostilities as demanded by resolution 2401 of the United Nations Security Council.
06.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland has chaired the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) for one year. Switzerland's chairmanship saw some major achievements at a strategic level, with the IHRA setting out its first comprehensive strategy and defining the priorities for its work in the years ahead. During its chairmanship Switzerland also supported various projects in the fields of education, youth and social media. The IHRA aims to promote research and education in relation to the Holocaust and to keep the memory of the victims alive through commemoration ceremonies and places of remembrance.
06.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
On 6 March 2018, Swiss Ambassador Thomas Kolly and Afghanistan's Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi signed a framework agreement in Kabul on technical and financial cooperation and humanitarian aid. This enhances the legal basis for cooperation between the two countries. Switzerland has been engaged in Afghanistan since the 1970s and has had a permanent presence there since 2002. Through the ongoing Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) programme, Switzerland supports Afghanistan's political and economic reform process and provides humanitarian aid.
05.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
A delegation of experts from the Council of Europe will visit Switzerland from 5 to 8 March 2018 to receive information on implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The meetings and various visits in the country will focus in particular on the situation of groups within the Swiss population recognised under the Framework Convention as national minorities, namely the national linguistic minorities, the Yenish, Sinti and Manouche people, and the Jewish community.
05.03.2018
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 2 March 2018, the Federal Council concluded the analysis it had started on 31 January and continued at its special meeting on 21 February. The object was to take stock of developments in Switzerland's relations with the European Union (EU) by reviewing the four years of negotiations on the institutional questions concerning EU market access. The Federal Council is seeking to improve these access conditions while respecting Swiss institutions and their independence. It thus set out its negotiating strategy and affirmed its commitment to proceed swiftly to ensure legal certainty for the export industry and for the stability of Switzerland's economy and our relations with the EU. The quality of the solutions put forward and the safeguarding of Swiss interests remain the criteria by which the Federal Council will determine the success of the negotiations.
28.02.2018
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Press releases
EDA
The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, paid an official visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, 28 February; it is the first visit by a Mozambican head of state and government since 2009. President Alain Berset received President Nyusi with military honours at the Lohn country residence. The official talks focused on Switzerland’s good offices in the peace process in Mozambique, development cooperation and bilateral economic relations.
23.02.2018
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Press releases
EDA
Presence Switzerland is encouraged by the results of the House of Switzerland at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. From both the sporting and marketing perspectives Switzerland has been able to raise its profile and present itself to the South Korean and international public as a country that is open, promotes sport, and is attractive for tourists.
22.02.2018
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 21 February 2018, the Federal Council adopted a report on the economic and financial consequences of Schengen/Dublin. The report concludes that Switzerland's participation in Schengen/Dublin is positive both from an economic and a financial perspective: the Schengen visa system and the abandonment of systematic border controls at internal borders, making travel easier, are of great importance for the Swiss economy, especially the border regions and the tourism sector. Because of the savings made possible by Dublin in the area of asylum, Schengen/Dublin has also been positive in financial terms.
21.02.2018
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2017 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 21 February 2018. The report gives an account of Switzerland's most important foreign policy activities in 2017 in the context of international developments.
Last update 23.04.2025
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