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Instrument of ratification deposited: Paris climate agreement to enter into force for Switzerland on 5 November 2017

06.10.2017 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland deposited its instrument of ratification in New York on 6 October 2017, making it an official party to the Paris Agreement. The agreement will come into effect for Switzerland 30 days later, on 5 November 2017. One of the agreement's main objectives is to maintain the increase in global temperatures well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Switzerland was actively involved in the negotiations leading up to the climate agreement.

Strategic partnership, peace process, development cooperation: FDFA State Secretary Baeriswyl visits South Africa and Mozambique

05.10.2017 — Press releases EDA
As part of an official visit due to end on 6 October 2017, the State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Pascale Baeriswyl, has held consultations on policy matters with South Africa, which Switzerland regards as a strategic partner. Taking advantage of her presence in the region, she then also travelled on to the Republic of Mozambique, where she was received today by President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi for deliberations on the peace process. Switzerland and Mozambique have a long tradition of development cooperation and their efforts to resolve the conflict within the country are therefore based on a solid foundation of trust.

Ceasefire between Government of Colombia and ELN - FDFA position statement

01.10.2017 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland – together with Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden – welcomes the agreement on a bilateral temporary ceasefire between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) which has entered into force on Sunday. The five states that are members of the “Group of Countries for the Support, Accompaniment and Cooperation of the Negotiating Table” in Quito (GPAAC) congratulate the negotiating teams for this important achievement. They expect the ceasefire to improve especially the humanitarian situation of the civilian population.

Minamata Convention sets up office in Geneva

30.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
On 30 September 2017, the approximately 150 States meeting in Geneva for the first Conference of the Parties (COP1) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury decided to base the Convention in Geneva. “The arrival of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention will be a boost for Geneva as center of the international environment governance,” said Marc Chardonnens, President of the COP and Director of the Federal Office for the Environment, welcoming the decision.

Human Rights Council adopts resolutions initiated by Switzerland on the death penalty and transitional justice

29.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
Today the Human Rights Council's 36th session in Geneva comes to a close. Switzerland successfully presented two resolutions: one on the death penalty and the other on the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on transitional justice.

Bundesrat hat Departementsverteilung vorgenommen

22.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
Der Bundesrat hat am 22. September 2017, in seiner neuen Zusammensetzung, die Verteilung der sieben Departemente vorgenommen und die Stellvertretungen geregelt.

Mexico earthquake: Switzerland to send reinforcements

21.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake caused major damage and claimed many lives in Mexico. The epicentre was about a hundred kilometres south of Mexico City. Switzerland immediately offered to help and is sending structural engineers to the affected areas at the request of the Mexican authorities.

President sets out Switzerland’s priorities for the coming year at UN General Assembly

19.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, 19 September, at the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York, President Doris Leuthard set out Switzerland’s priorities regarding the organisation’s future challenges. The president’s other engagements included an address at Columbia University’s World Leaders Forum, a speech at a UN Private Sector Forum event and bilateral talks with the British prime minister, Theresa May.

72nd Session of the UN General Assembly: Didier Burkhalter in New York to defend Switzerland's priorities

18.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), attended the opening session of the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations on Monday in New York with the aim of building bridges and creating coalitions to defend key priorities of Switzerland's foreign policy.

Cyberangriff auf die Bundesverwaltung entdeckt und Massnahmen ergriffen

15.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
Spezialisten des Bundes haben einen Angriff auf einzelne Server der Bundesverwaltung entdeckt und die notwendigen Massnahmen ergriffen. Der Bundesrat und die zuständigen politischen Gremien wurden über den Vorfall informiert. Bei der Bundesanwaltschaft wurden zwei Strafanzeigen gegen Unbekannt eingereicht.

Appointments: head of mission in Quito, assistant directors at the SDC and FOPH

15.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
A number of staff changes have been announced for the Swiss representation in Quito, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Federal Office of Public Health of the Federal Department of Home Affairs. The changes will take place as part of the usual transfer rotation for 2017/18 and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council. In addition, the former deputy director general of the SDC, Thomas Greminger, has been appointed Secretary General of the OSCE. The appointment of head of mission in Quito becomes effective once the agrément of the receiving state has been given. The Federal Council has conferred the title of ambassador on the SDC and FOPH assistant directors.

Water, driver of peace: Global Panel on Water and Peace publishes recommendations

14.09.2017 — Press releases EDA
"Since water supply is likely to become a major source of tension in the coming years, there is huge potential today to make water a key medium for cooperation and a driver of peace," the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, told the members of the Global Panel on Water and Peace. The panel chaired by former Slovenian President Danilo Türk was launched in November 2015. In Geneva on Thursday, its 15 member states presented the results of their work in the form of a set of recommendations to prevent and resolve water-related conflicts.

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UN conference on the Middle East: Switzerland calls emphatically for diplomatic steps towards a two-state solution

30.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the UN conference on the two-state solution which took place from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, Switzerland called for respect for international humanitarian law by all parties, including the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages, an immediate and lasting ceasefire and serious diplomatic efforts to implement the two-state solution. Around 120 states attended the conference.

Switzerland to take part in high-level conference on Middle East and two-state solution

25.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair the high-level international conference to promote a lasting peace in the Middle East and the implementation of the two-state solution. The conference will be held from 28 to 30 July 2025 in New York, under the auspices of the United Nations. Switzerland will be taking part alongside numerous international partners.

UN Sustainable Development Goals: Switzerland calls on all stakeholders to step up cooperation

18.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
This year's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is taking place from 14 to 23 July 2025 at the UN headquarters in New York. The Swiss delegation is being led by Markus Reubi, the Federal Council Delegate for the 2030 Agenda at the FDFA and will focus on economic growth and decent work.

State Secretary for Security Policy to travel to Chisinau for security policy dialogue with Moldova

17.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will hold talks on current security policy developments and bilateral cooperation with his counterparts in Chisinau (Moldova) from 17 to 18 July.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Conference: global security and bilateral relations at centre of talks

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 10 and 11 July, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Malaysia. His participation underlines South East Asia's growing economic importance to Switzerland. Mr Cassis used the platform to discuss economic ties, bilateral relations and global challenges with his counterparts from Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore. For the first time, he also met the new Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand on the margins of the conference.

Victims of National Socialism: Call for proposals to design the memorial in Bern

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
In April 2023, the Federal Council decided to establish a memorial in the centre of Bern for the victims of National Socialism. The Federal Council considers it vital to keep alive the memory of the consequences of National Socialism, as well as the fate of the six million Jews and all other victims of the Nazi regime. On the recommendation of the communal parliament of the City of Bern, the Casinoterrasse near the Federal Parliament was selected as the location for the site of remembrance. A call is now being organised to gather proposals for the its creation from multidisciplinary teams in the fields of art, architecture and history.

Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to reconstruction at the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome

11.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) has been held since 2022 to coordinate reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. At this year's conference, which took place in Rome from 10 to 11 July, the head of the Swiss delegation, Jacques Gerber, signed an international treaty with Ukraine. This forms the legal basis for increased cooperation with the Swiss private sector in reconstruction. Projects in the areas of health, education and war risk insurance were also approved.

Strengthening economic ties is focus of talks by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Nepal and Bhutan

09.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited Nepal and Bhutan during his week-long trip to Asia from 7 to 9 July. The official talks with government representatives centred on bilateral relations and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

Les droits des femmes et la non-discrimination au cœur du travail de la Suisse pendant la 59e session du Conseil des droits de l’homme.

08.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Dans un contexte global marqué par le recul de l’Etat de droit, la Suisse travaille avec détermination en faveur des droits de l’homme. Pour cette 59ème session du Conseil des droits de l’homme (CDH) des Nations Unies, un accent particulier a été placé sur la promotion des droits des femmes et de l’égalité de genre, ainsi que sur les droits des personnes LGBT. La session, qui s'est clôturée aujourd’hui après trois semaines et demie de débats, a été marquée par une adaptation du travail imposée par les restrictions budgétaires affectant l’ensemble du système onusien.

Switzerland reopens its embassy in Iran – ambassador returns to Tehran

06.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
As of today, 6 July 2025, the Swiss embassy in Tehran is open again after having temporarily closed on 20 June due to the unstable situation in Iran. Ambassador Nadine Olivieri Lozano and a small team returned to Tehran yesterday overland via Azerbaijan. The embassy will gradually resume operations.

Ignazio Cassis in Asia for ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and bilateral talks

03.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be travelling to Asia from 7 to 13 July 2025. He will attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. His participation highlights the growing economic and geopolitical importance of the South East Asian states. Official working visits to Nepal, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore are also planned around the conference.

Presentation of credentials

02.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

Other news (151)

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

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.

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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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