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Federal Council clarifies consultation procedure with Parliament on foreign policy

06.07.2016 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has clarified how in future it will consult Parliament on foreign policy in order to take into account the latter's concern to be more closely involved in this policy area.

Federal Council decides to establish a national human rights institution for Switzerland

29.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has decided to establish a national human rights institution tasked with further strengthening human rights in Switzerland, supporting public authorities, civil society organisations and businesses in the area of human rights and promoting interaction between the relevant actors. The FDJP and FDFA have been mandated to submit a consultation draft to the Federal Council by the end of June 2017.

Brexit: FDFA Helpline offers advice for Swiss citizens

24.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
The electorate of the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum. The current regulations regarding Swiss citizens and companies will remain valid for the time being. There is, however, a high level of demand for information from Swiss citizens in Switzerland and abroad. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA has made additional staff available on the FDFA Helpline to answer calls regarding the impact of the United Kingdom's decision on Swiss citizens. The FDFA Helpline can be contacted on 0 800 24-7-365 and is available around the clock, including at weekends.

2015: a watershed year for Swiss international cooperation

23.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) are jointly publishing the 2015 Annual Report on Swiss International Cooperation, which is divided into five chapters. In 2015, Switzerland achieved an important milestone towards sustainable development by adopting the 2030 Agenda. It also continued its efforts to provide opportunities for people in its partner countries. In response to the proliferation of violent conflicts, the SDC provided emergency aid to victims on the ground and to forcibly displaced people.

Annual ICRC meeting with Swiss-chaired Donor Support Group

23.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter took part today in the annual meeting between the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and its principal donors. The ICRC Donor Support Group is currently chaired by Switzerland. Both ICRC President Peter Maurer and ICRC Director-General Yves Daccord are attending the two-day meeting in Bern from 23 to 24 June. The focus of the meeting is on strengthening partnerships with the private sector in humanitarian crises. This meeting marks the end of Switzerland's chairmanship of the ICRC Donor Support Group.

The Head of the FDFA meets the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister

22.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter today received the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Samdech Krolahom Sar Kheng. One of the aims of this courtesy visit was to strengthen bilateral relations to foster closer ties between Switzerland and the Southeast Asian region. The discussions also focused on the activities of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in Cambodia. The Head of the FDFA also addressed the political situation in Cambodia and expressed his wish to see the two main political parties revive the "culture of dialogue" agreed in 2014.

The House of Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro prepares to open its doors

21.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be present at the 2016 Olympic Games with a 'House of Switzerland' in the centre of Rio. The Swiss reception centre, which will be run by Presence Switzerland at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will provide a platform to celebrate sport and to promote economic, scientific and cultural links with Brazil.

Switzerland strengthens ties with Iran

Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

16.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
A high-level delegation of representatives from Iran's ministries of justice and foreign affairs is in Switzerland today and tomorrow. The focus of the visit is on the implementation of the road map to strengthen ties between the two countries which was signed on 27 February 2016 by President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, and President Hassan Rouhani. Political issues, human rights, regional security and the judiciary were discussed in four negotiating formats, some of which were held in parallel. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter received a courtesy visit from the head of the Iranian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi.

10 years of the UN Human Rights Council: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter launches an international appeal to enhance conflict prevention

13.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
At the opening of the UN Human Rights Council’s June session in Geneva, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has launched an international appeal of 13 June calling for enhanced conflict prevention. The Council is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Geneva today.

Federal Council concludes headquarters agreement and administrative arrangement with Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty

13.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
On 13 June 2016, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, signed a headquarters agreement and an administrative arrangement with the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty on behalf of the Federal Council. The head of the Secretariat, Mr Dumisani Dladla, signed the documents on behalf of the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty.

The FDFA condemns attack in Tel Aviv

10.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) condemns the attack carried out in Tel Aviv on 8 June 2016 which claimed at least four lives and several injuries. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the FDFA, extends his condolences to the victims' families and expresses his solidarity with those who suffered injuries.

Didier Burkhalter in Canada: Bern and Ottawa look to strengthen diplomatic ties

09.06.2016 — Press releases EDA
Strengthening relations between Switzerland and Canada was the focus of a 24-hour visit by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to Ottawa on Thursday. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met his counterpart Stéphane Dion as well as the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Marie-Claude Bibeau. The two foreign ministers emphasised the need to strengthen relations between the two countries and agreed to draw up a working plan to structure their future relationship. Switzerland and Canada have converging positions on several issues relating to peace and security policy. They also plan to work together more closely within international organisations.

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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.

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.

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.

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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