Press releases

Swiss convoy to aid civilian population in eastern Ukraine reaches Donetsk

15.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
On 15 May 2015 Switzerland sent a convoy carrying 300 tonnes of chemical water treatment products to eastern Ukraine to supply approximately 3.5 million people in need in the Donetsk region with clean drinking water. This is the first humanitarian convoy of its size to have crossed the contact line between the government-controlled area and that under the control of non-government forces since the armed conflict began in the region. The convoy is being accompanied by Manuel Bessler, the Federal Council Delegate for Swiss Humanitarian Aid.

Diplomatic or consular representations under one roof: Federal Council approves property-sharing with partner countries

13.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has approved the sharing of premises with the Netherlands by the Swiss diplomatic representation in Oman and has authorised the FDFA to conclude further property-sharing agreements with Denmark in Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos) and with the Netherlands in Angola (Luanda) and in Cyprus (Nicosia).

War material exports: Federal Council monitoring situation in Yemen

13.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
Since the end of March, a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Federal Council is monitoring the situation closely. Applications for exports of war materials to the region are being assessed by SECO and the FDFA on a case-by-case basis under war material legislation.

Closer relations with Mexico: Visit by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter

13.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is to make a one-day official working visit to Mexico on 14 May 2015 where he will have talks with the Mexican Foreign Minister, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña. During his visit the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will make a speech at the renowned Matías Romero Institute and will open the photographic exhibition entitled "War from the victims' perspective" by Jean Mohr to mark the 150th anniversary of the ICRC and the first Geneva Convention. Federal Councillor Burkhalter and Foreign Minister Meade will also sign a joint declaration on bilateral relations and an agreement on trilateral development projects in Central America.

"We will be offering additional courses for bricklayers, plumbers and sanitary specialists"

11.05.2015 — Local news EDA

The earthquake in Nepal also caused substantial damage to the Swiss embassy in Kathmandu. In this interview, the Swiss ambassador in Nepal, Urs Herren, explains how he experienced the earthquake, how the embassy functioned during the crisis and what the earthquake means for Switzerland's long-standing commitment in Nepal.

Switzerland responds to humanitarian crisis in Yemen

08.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
In view of the rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Switzerland is making CHF 2 Million available to the Yemen Humanitarian Pooled Fund managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). At the same time it calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international law to ensure the protection of civilians, to engage in dialogue to seek a political solution to the conflict and to cease hostilities.

Federal Council approves loan to reconstruct the International Federation of the National Societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) in Geneva

08.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has approved a loan of CHF 54.4 million for the Foundation for Buildings for International Organisations (FIPOI) to finance the demolition works and construction of a new and larger IFRC headquarters. The works will be spread out over three years from 2016 to 2018.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to make official visit to Luxembourg on Monday

08.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will make an official visit on Monday to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, during which he will meet the prime minister, Xavier Bettel, and the foreign minister, Jean Asselborn. He will also pay a courtesy visit to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The agenda of the talks between Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and his interlocutors in Luxembourg will include bilateral relations, relations with the European Union (EU) and a review of the international political situation.

Federal Council commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe 70 years ago and appeals for peace

08.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
On 8 and 9 May 2015, Switzerland and the international community will commemorate the end of the Second World War and the tyranny of National Socialism in Europe. Paying tribute to the tens of millions of victims of the bloodiest conflict in history – a war that threw the entire world into disarray – is of great importance to Switzerland. It joins in commemorating the invaluable contribution made by the people of the Allied nations and all the other countries that helped end the war, with a deep sense of gratitude.

Führungsunterstützungen der Schweiz, Deutschlands und Österreichs pflegten Erfahrungsaustausch

07.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
Vom 4. bis 6. Mai 2015 fand in Bern das jährliche trinationale Treffen der Führungsunterstützungen der Armeen aus der Schweiz, Deutschland und Österreich statt. Es diente dem Erfahrungsaustausch über den Betrieb von IKT-Infrastrukturen.

Head of the FDFA Didier Burkhalter receives Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana

06.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received Ms Hanna Serwaa Tetteh for an official working visit at the Maison de Watteville in Bern. The talks focused on relations between Switzerland and Ghana and economic cooperation. Security in this region of Africa and various current international issues were also on the agenda for discussion.

Official visit to Bern by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charles Flanagan

06.05.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, received the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Flanagan, for an official visit to Bern on Wednesday 6 May 2015. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, the EU and Switzerland's policy on Europe. They also discussed cooperation within international bodies, particularly the UN, and the situation in the Middle East.

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

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.