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.
30.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The direct contact and mutual understanding and trust that marks bilateral relations between Switzerland and Germany also constitutes the basis for deepening cooperation. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discussed the joint commitment of both states in the areas of peace and security and the tackling of acute hunger crises with the new German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Berlin. The two ministers also addressed the situation in Europe, Switzerland’s policy towards the EU and aspects of bilateral relations during their first official meeting.
28.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
On 30 March 2017, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will meet with the new German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel in Berlin. The talks will focus on cooperation between the two countries to strengthen peace and security, and also on Switzerland's policy regarding the EU and bilateral matters.
27.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting this year's dialogue between the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee and Arab donors, aimed at implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires coordinated action by all donors as well as targeted and effective deployment of limited resources. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are among the biggest sources of development finance. The event, being held in Bern on 27–28 March, complements the SDC's wider development policy dialogue with Arab donors, which also takes place in the Gulf region.
24.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
What contribution is Switzerland making to prevent a whole generation from being lost to humanitarian crises? What is it doing to create new prospects for the more than 30 million children and young people worldwide who are currently refugees? These questions were the focus of the Annual Conference of Swiss Humanitarian Aid and the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) held at the Kursaal in Bern. During the conference entitled 'Generating hope for children and youth in humanitarian crises', Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter and the Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Manuel Sager spoke about Switzerland's commitment to restoring hope for the future to young people caught up in humanitarian crises.
24.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The Human Rights Council brings its four-week March session to a close today in Geneva. Throughout the session, Switzerland advocated the assessment of the human rights situation by independent experts in various contexts, such as in Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar and Bahrain.
23.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, met with Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, on Thursday 23 March 2017 in Bern, continuing the frank and direct dialogue between the two countries. Their meeting at the Federal Palace took place on the sidelines of a visit by Mr Çavuşoğlu to the Turkish embassy. In the context of the upcoming referendum on the reform of the Turkish constitution Mr Burkhalter underscored the validity of Swiss law on Swiss soil, urged Turkey to comply with it, and said that Switzerland would rigorously investigate illegal intelligence activities. “Freedom of expression is a universal value recognised by Switzerland, which hopes that this freedom will also hold true for Turkish citizens whether they cast their votes in Switzerland or in their own country,” said Mr Burkhalter.
23.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
In Paris today (Thursday 23 March 2017) Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter signed an intergovernmental agreement between Switzerland and France on the tax system applicable to EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (EAP). The agreement will promote the airport’s development and ensure that it remains attractive, as well as providing the necessary legal certainty to the businesses based there, in line with Switzerland’s objectives.
22.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council has conferred the title of ambassador on Benno Laggner, who is currently Deputy Head of the Swiss Delegation for security policy issues at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna with the title of minister, to allow him to carry out his new function as the chair of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during Switzerland’s membership of the NSG troika (1.4.2017 to 30.6.2019).
20.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
Le lundi 20 mars 2017, le président du Sénégal, Macky Sall, a effectué la première visite officielle en Suisse depuis 2001 d’un chef d’État sénégalais. La présidente de la Confédération, Doris Leuthard, a reçu le Président Sall avec les honneurs militaires à la résidence du Lohn, à Kehrsatz (BE). Les relations économiques entre les deux pays, les échanges dans le domaine de la formation, la coopération en matière d’économie et des droits de l’homme ainsi que la collaboration à l’échelon international ont été au centre des entretiens officiels.
16.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The Week of the French Language and La Francophonie, which is celebrated every year worldwide to reflect and showcase the diversity of the French-speaking world, was launched this year in Bern on 16 March. It will be observed in over 15 cities until 26 March, featuring about 100 events combining culture, celebration and conviviality. In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the events will bring together French-speakers and students of the French language.
13.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
The 61st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will kick off on 13 March 2017 in New York. Women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work is the focus of this year’s session. Equal pay will be one of the focal points of Switzerland's efforts during the session. Representing the country is a delegation led by FDFA Secretary General Benno Bättig and Director of the Federal Office for Gender Equality Sylvie Durrer. Together with other partners, Switzerland is launching the Global Equal Pay Coalition, which seeks to eliminate wage inequality by 2030.
10.03.2017
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Press releases
EDA
On 10 March 2017 the Federal Council pledged a further annual contribution for the Geneva headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Switzerland is thereby supporting what is often the only organisation to have direct access to people in need during crises and conflicts. The work carried out by over 80 delegations worldwide is coordinated from the ICRC headquarters in Geneva.
Last update 23.04.2025
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