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President of the Swiss Confederation attends high-level conference in Paris in support of Ukraine

13.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
Co-chaired by France and Ukraine, the high-level conference aims to coordinate the emergency and humanitarian response in support of Ukraine ahead of the winter months. An international network has been established to represent the states and international organisations in the future mechanism to coordinate aid to Ukraine, particularly in the areas of electricity, water, food security, health, and transport. Switzerland is contributing CHF 100 million to the international aid effort for Ukraine this winter.

President of the Swiss Confederation to attend high-level conference in Paris in support of Ukraine

12.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
At the invitation of France and Ukraine, President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis will participate in a high-level conference in support of Ukraine on Tuesday, 13 December in Paris. The conference aims to coordinate the emergency and humanitarian response in the country ahead of the winter months.

From urgency to sustainability: the President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis opens summit on effective development cooperation in Geneva

12.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
On 12 December in Geneva, President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis opened the summit of the high-level conference on effectiveness of the development cooperation.. Around 75 ministers and 3 heads of state participate, alongside more than 3,000 people attending virtually or in person. In his opening address, President Cassis underlined that only a stronger and more effective cooperation can respond to the global challenges. True to the principle of inclusivity, the summit brings together government representatives, donor countries and civil society to anchor sustainable development more strongly in local realities.

Switzerland and Romania sign agreement on implementation of second Swiss contribution

12.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 12 December, President Ignazio Cassis met with President Klaus Werner Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in Bucharest. President Cassis then signed an agreement on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution with Finance Minister Adrian Câciu. Under the agreement, Switzerland will provide CHF 221.5 million to finance various projects in Romania until 2029. Prior to visiting Bucharest, Mr Cassis had a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.

Federal Council presents draft report Assessment of Swiss-EU relations

09.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 December, the Federal Council discussed the draft report 'Assessment of Swiss–EU relations. The Federal Council concludes in the report that the bilateral approach remains the most favourable solution for Switzerland. The report was adopted subject to the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees of both chambers of Parliament. Parliament, for its part, had repeatedly called on the Federal Council to conduct an assessment of Swiss policy on the EU.

Federal Council requests continued support for the three Geneva centres

02.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
On 2 December, the Federal Council decided to request CHF 130 million for the 2024 – 27 period to support the work of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF). In the coming years, the three Geneva centres will strengthen diplomatic dialogue, promote innovative approaches, for example to explosive ordnance disposal, and prioritise activities in Europe. They also aim to cooperate more closely with the UN, the EU and NATO.

Switzerland's support for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East: continued contribution to UNRWA for the period 2023–24

02.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 2 December 2022, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's continued support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA will receive CHF 20 million annually for the years 2023 and 2024. With these funds, Switzerland is reaffirming its commitment to human development, humanitarian action and regional stability.

Dominik Stillhart to head Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit

02.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
At its 2 December 2022 meeting, the Federal Council appointed Dominik Stillhart as its new delegate for humanitarian aid and head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA). Mr Stillhart is currently working for the ICRC in Geneva. He succeeds Manuel Bessler, who will be retiring at the end of March 2023. The Federal Council also appointed David Grichting as the new head of the Consular Directorate of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The council's appointments included new ambassadors (as part of the periodic transfer rotation) as well.

Livia Leu represents Switzerland at OSCE Ministerial Council

01.12.2022 — Press releases EDA
At the invitation of the Polish chair of the OSCE, FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu is participating in the organisation's 29th Ministerial Council meeting, which opened in Łódź on Thursday 1 December. The meeting will serve as a critical platform for high-level representatives to discuss the current challenges to the European security architecture, particularly against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Switzerland has always considered the OSCE a fundamental pillar of European security.

State visit by President Mattarella underlines importance of Swiss-Italian relations

29.11.2022 — Press releases EDA
The state visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Switzerland underlines the close relations between the two countries. President Mattarella was welcomed to Bern by the full Federal Council on Tuesday, 29 November. In his welcome speech, President Ignazio Cassis paid tribute to the close ties between Switzerland and Italy and their intensive contacts, which reinforce the italianità already present in Switzerland's DNA. Besides bilateral relations, the official talks focused on European policy, the security situation on the continent and multilateral issues.

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.

New SwissInTouch app: FDFA strengthens ties with Swiss abroad

24.11.2022 — Press releases EDA
SwissInTouch (available on the swissintouch.ch website) is an information and communication platform designed to help Swiss nationals abroad stay in contact with their embassy and the FDFA's head office. President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis unveiled the plans for the new app at the Congress of the Swiss Abroad, held in Lugano from 18 to 20 August.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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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