Press releases

Good offices between Saudi Arabia and Iran: green light from the Saudi authorities

14.02.2016 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will represent the interests of Saudi Arabia in Iran and those of Iran in Saudi Arabia following the recent breakdown in diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is the main outcome of Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter's 24-hour visit to Riyadh, during which he met with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir. During the talks in the Saudi capital, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and addressed sources of tension in the region, including Syria and Yemen.

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi to pay state visit to Switzerland on 18 and 19 February

12.02.2016 — Press releases EDA
Relations between Switzerland and Tunisia, which have been good for decades, have become much closer since the Tunisian Revolution in 2011. This is reflected in the state visit by President Beji Caid Essebsi to Bern on 18 and 19 February. The visit was originally planned for last November, but was cancelled following an attack on the presidential guard. The programme and the topics to be addressed remain largely unchanged

Syria Conference: President Schneider-Ammann expresses Switzerland’s respect for Syria’s neighbouring states (last modification, the 05.02.2016)

04.02.2016 — Press releases EDA
President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann has thanked the citizens of Syria’s neighbouring states for their solidarity with the people affected by the civil war. The international community has a duty to support the neighbouring states, explained the president at the Syria Donors Conference. This year Switzerland is setting aside CHF 50 million for the victims of the conflict.

SDC steps up efforts in fragile and conflict-affected regions

29.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
More than 40 states worldwide with a total population of some 1.5 billion people are classed as fragile or affected by violence and conflict. The majority of the world’s poor will soon be living in fragile contexts. In view of the growing challenges this presents, supporting these people is a priority of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) this year, SDC Director-General Manuel Sager said at the annual media conference in Bern on 29 January. Other priorities include the new Dispatch on International Cooperation 2017-2020 for Parliament and implementing the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Federal Council adopts new strategy on sustainable development 2016–2019 (de)

27.01.2016 — Press releases EDA

Der Bundesrat hat heute die «Strategie Nachhaltige Entwicklung 2016-2019» verabschiedet. Die Strategie beinhaltet Visionen für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung der Schweiz, nennt konkrete Ziele bis 2030 sowie die entsprechenden Massnahmen. Die Strategie, die Teil der Botschaft zur Legislaturplanung 2015-2019 ist, zeigt zudem auf, was die Schweiz in der laufenden Legislaturperiode zur neuen globalen «Agenda 2030 für nachhaltige Entwicklung» beiträgt.

Swiss community abroad crosses the three-quarter million mark

25.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
The number of Swiss citizens living abroad that were registered at a Swiss representation in a foreign country on 31 December 2015 numbered 761,930. In 2014 the number was only 746,885. This is a further increase of 2 per cent – or 15,045 persons in exact figures – as can be seen by the latest Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA statistics on the Swiss abroad.

Negotiations on linking of Swiss and EU emission trading schemes concluded

25.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
Negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on linking their emissions trading schemes have concluded. Bruno Oberle, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (until the end of 2015), Dominique Paravicini, Deputy Director of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA), and Jos Delbeke, Director General of the EU’s Directorate-General for Climate Action, have initialled the agreement. The expansion of the international CO2 market by linking national or regional emissions trading schemes can provide an effective means of combating climate change.

Swiss development cooperation: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter calls for immediate implementation of 2030 Agenda

22.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was the key focus area at this year's annual conference of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The 17 goals of the global 2030 Agenda will play a decisive role in Swiss development policy over the coming years. The speakers and experts dealt with different aspects of the Agenda: the negotiations, the implementation and financing, and what it means for Switzerland. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter spoke specifically of how it relates to Swiss policy. The opening speech was made by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The Syrian conflict, extremism and migration: Federal Councillor Burkhalter underlines the UN's key role in resolving conflicts

22.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon discussed the situation in several crisis regions during a working lunch in Zurich today. Other topics under discussion were the migration crisis, the fight against violent extremism and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mr Burkhalter stressed that implementing the agenda, which was adopted in autumn 2015, now requires immediate attention.

WEF: Didier Burkhalter discusses possibility of a safeguard clause with representatives of EU states

21.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter used his presence at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos as an opportunity to meet with the foreign ministers of various EU member states. His talks with the representatives of France (Fabius), Italy (Gentiloni) and Poland (Waszczykowski) centred on a mutually agreed safeguard clause as a solution on the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.

Switzerland officially confirms its participation in Expo Astana 2017

21.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
The next world fair will take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from 10 June to 10 September 2017. Under the motto of 'Future Energy', participating states will address the issue of the sustainable use of limited resources. With the conclusion of a participation agreement with Expo Astana 2017 on 21 January 2016, Switzerland formally confirmed to the organisers of the world fair the decision taken by the Federal Council on 22 April 2015.

WEF: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stresses Switzerland's willingness to provide comprehensive support for Syria peace talks

21.01.2016 — Press releases EDA
At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter discussed with various partners the situation in the Middle East and possibilities to end the Syrian conflict. He underscored the need to clarify the steps to a peaceful solution through dialogue, which was why every effort must be undertaken to ensure that the Syria talks are able to go ahead next week in Geneva. One topic of his meetings, including those with US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif, was also humanitarian access to those in need in the conflict zones.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Costa Rican foreign minister André in Bern to discuss geopolitics, trade and democracy

16.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 May 2025 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the foreign minister of Costa Rica, Arnoldo André Tinoco, for bilateral talks in Bern. The meeting focused on current geopolitical and trade policy challenges as well as bilateral issues. The visit follows Mr Cassis' trip to Costa Rica in July 2024, the first by a federal councillor. Switzerland and Costa Rica are celebrating 160 years of bilateral relations in 2025.

President Keller-Sutter attends sixth European Political Community Summit in Tirana

16.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 May, in the Albanian capital Tirana, President Karin Keller-Sutter attended the sixth summit of the European Political Community (EPC). With Denmark set to hold the EU Council Presidency in the second half of the year, she met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The summit focused on Europe’s competitiveness, democratic resilience and security.

Private security services provided abroad in 2024: ninth FDFA report on PSSA implementation

14.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 14 May 2025, the Federal Council took note of the ninth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). In 2024, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) received 111 declarations from companies. No activities were prohibited.

Swiss–EU package: all Federal Assembly members given access to Swiss–EU agreement texts

14.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 14 May 2025, the Federal Council decided to give members of the Federal Assembly access, upon request, to the texts of the agreements negotiated with the EU. In making this decision, it is responding to the exceptionally high level of interest shown by Parliament in the Swiss–EU dossier. The Federal Council intends to make a decision before the summer recess on launching the consultation procedure. In this context, the texts of the agreements, applicable implementing legislation, and accompanying national measures will be published in three official languages, as previously planned.

Committee of Ministers: FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel underlines Switzerland's support for Council of Europe values

14.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel was in Luxembourg on 13 and 14 May, representing Switzerland at the 134th session of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers. The discussions, which were chaired by Luxembourg, focused on the Council of Europe's response to the war against Ukraine and democratic backsliding.

Second edition of Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building held in Geneva

13.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland hosted the second edition of the Global Conference on Cyber Capacity Building (GC3B) between 13 and 14 May. The conference focused on the secure use of new digital technologies in development cooperation work, especially in the Global South. International Geneva served as a platform to bring together stakeholders from the cybersecurity and digital development sectors. The GC3B was also a key event of the inaugural Geneva Cyber Week.

President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, to pay state visit to Switzerland

12.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
In recognition of the close and multifaceted relations between Switzerland and Kosovo, the Federal Council has invited Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu and her husband Prindon Sadriu to pay a state visit to Switzerland. President Karin Keller-Sutter will lead the Federal Council in corpore in welcoming President Osmani with military honours on Bundesplatz on Wednesday, 21 May. This will be followed by official speeches and political discussions. The programme the following day will focus on business and innovation.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Foreign Minister Sabine Monauni from Liechtenstein

12.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Mr Cassis received Liechtenstein's new deputy prime minister and minister for foreign affairs, environment and culture, Sabine Monauni, for an official inaugural visit in Bern on Monday. Talks focused on the two countries' traditionally close bilateral relations, European policy, regional cooperation under the EU Strategy for the Alpine region (EUSALP), international issues and the current geopolitical context. The two ministers also signed a revised agreement on environmental levies.

Palazzo Trevisan to remain outpost of Swiss excellence in Venice

09.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider announced in Venice today the future set-up for the Palazzo Trevisan. As of 1 January 2026, the main floor of the palace will be turned into a platform managed by the FDFA which will not only build on the palace's important role in promoting Swiss culture but will also incorporate new activities in the fields of innovation, research and sustainability. This development is the result of collaboration between the FDFA and the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), with the dual aim of strengthening the Palazzo Trevisan as a vector of Swiss excellence in Venice, and of further enriching the dense network of relations between Switzerland and Italy.

International trade: Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin hold meetings with delegations from the United States and China

09.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On Friday, 9 May 2025 in Geneva, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, and the Vice President of the Federal Council, Guy Parmelin, met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Prior to that, they met with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.

International cooperation: targeted Swiss support for UN agencies and International Geneva

08.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has decided the FDFA will grant CHF 39 million to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Women, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for 2025. By renewing these contributions, the FDFA is also sending out a strong signal in support of International Geneva.

Switzerland's contribution to democracy promotion – new FDFA guidelines

07.05.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 7 May 2025 the FDFA published the Guidelines on Democracy, which set out objectives for democracy promotion and identify foreign policy instruments for strengthening democratic processes and institutions.

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.