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UAE foreign minister visits Switzerland to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations

18.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter officially received HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Bern today. Both states are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations this year. Various multilateral and international issues were among the topics of discussion.

Switzerland allocates CHF 6 million to victims of Typhoon Haiyan

16.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to allocate CHF 6 million to support humanitarian activities in the Philippines. This decision reflects the Swiss Confederation’s wish to provide help for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The sum will be used to fund direct action by Swiss Humanitarian Aid for the benefit of those affected by the typhoon.

Swiss government names new Ambassadors

13.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss government (Federal Council) has approved the list of diplomatic staff transfers scheduled for 2014 submitted by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The changes will be made in accordance with the normal rate of transfers, to be communicated at the time of the decision by the Federal Council. The appointments of Heads of Mission take effect as soon as the authorities in the host country communicate their approval. The Federal Council takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to the Ambassadors due to retire for the services rendered.

Switzerland and Austria join forces to promote global sustainable development in mountain regions

13.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and Austria intend to step up their cooperation to share their experience of the sustainable development of mountain regions with as many people living in mountain regions around the world as possible. In addition, they want to raise political leaders' awareness of the specific needs of mountain regions. On 13 November 2013, Martin Dahinden, director-general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Martin Ledolter, managing director of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), signed an agreement to this effect.

Switzerland sends emergency aid to the Philippines

11.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Following the devastation of vast swathes of the Philippines caused by typhoon Haiyan, Switzerland is sending a first consignment of emergency aid comprising medical supplies and water treatment materials to the disaster area. Members of the FDFA's disaster response pool are providing support to the Swiss embassy in Manila, helping to establish contact with Swiss nationals in the area.

Switzerland welcomes the progress made on the Iranian nuclear dossier

10.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland welcomes the progress made to date in the talks between the E3/EU+3 and Iran, which are scheduled to resume on 20 November 2013 in Geneva. This development marks a significant step towards achieving a more secure world, which is one of Switzerland’s foreign policy priorities.

Swiss experts to be sent to areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

09.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Shortly before dawn on Friday, 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devastated large swathes of the Philippines’ central islands. Haiyan – the most violent storm ever recorded – is currently headed for Vietnam. In view of the widespread damage, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has decided to send a group of Swiss Humanitarian Aid experts to the disaster areas.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to take part in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

08.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will travel to New Delhi, India, from 11 to 12 November to take part in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). The purpose of this meeting of foreign ministers is to conduct high-level discussions on issues of common interest to the two continents. This is the first time that Switzerland takes part in this ministerial meeting since becoming a member of ASEM in 2012.

The

07.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
As part of its mission to promote the image of Switzerland abroad, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs unit Presence Switzerland has developed the concept of a "Swiss Mobile House". The mobile house aims to have a lasting impact and represent Switzerland's interests at major international events in the long term. Switzerland's solid tradition in architecture and design will allow Presence Switzerland and its partners to promote Swiss entrepreneurs, athletes, scientists and artists in a creative way throughout the world. Developed by the architects of Spillmann Echsle and built entirely in Switzerland, the house will be used for the first time at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in February 2014.

International Law Day:

07.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
The Directorate of International Law (DIL) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has conducted its traditional International Law Day this year in Bern on 7 November 2013. The event was opened by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and, to mark the occasion of the DIL's 40th anniversary, dealt fundamentally with the role of international law in today's globalised world. In his speech, Mr Burkhalter addressed the key importance of international law in safeguarding Swiss interests and values in international relations.

Official working visit of Romanian foreign minister Titus Corlățean in Bern

07.11.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), has received his Romanian counterpart, Foreign Minister Titus Corlățean, for a working dinner in Bern. Topics under discussion included cooperation between the two countries in the field of policing and experiences with the enlargement contribution.

Close trust-based relations with Australia: Swiss nationals obtain facilitated entry

28.10.2013 — Press releases EDA
On the last stage of his trip to the Asia-Pacific region, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter met Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop earlier today. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is the first foreign minister Ms Bishop has received since she assumed office. Ms Bishop announced that Switzerland is to be included in Australia's automated border processing system, SmartGate, thus facilitating Swiss nationals' entry into Australia. The two ministers also signed two agreements, one to establish regular ministerial-level political dialogue and the other to strengthen cooperation on research and innovation.

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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

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel in Germany for political consultations

01.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, was in Berlin on 1 July 2025 to hold political consultations with his German counterpart, the state secretary of the Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr. Talks focused on current geopolitical developments, bilateral issues and the opening of the consultation procedure in Switzerland on the agreements in the new Swiss-EU package. Mr Fasel also met with the state secretary of Germany's Federal Chancellery, Jörg Semmler.

Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

30.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. Organised under the auspices of the United Nations, this global event aims to address financing challenges in order to help achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to development policy, environmental, economic and social sustainability, and macroeconomics. The Swiss delegation is being led by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Karin Keller-Sutter to meet Emmanuel Macron in Paris

27.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, is to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday, 1 July. The geopolitical situation and security issues will be at the centre of their discussions. Also on the agenda are bilateral relations between Switzerland and France, European policy and competitiveness.

Security and defence partnership: Federal Council to seek exploratory talks with the EU

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 25 June 2025, the Federal Council decided to enter into exploratory talks with the EU with a view to concluding a security and defence partnership. These partnerships provide the EU with a framework for enhancing cooperation with third countries in this field. A security and defence partnership takes the form of non-legally-binding declaration of intent and can be designed individually. A partnership of this kind is a prerequisite for any joint procurements in the defence sector. It is compatible with neutrality and helps to strengthen Switzerland's defence capabilities.

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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