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Switzerland reaffirms its support for the United Nations resident coordinator system

08.11.2021 — Press releases EDA
Patricia Danzi, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA, met with Robert Piper, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Development Coordination, in Bern on 8 November 2021. She renewed Switzerland's support for the resident coordinator system, which aims to increase the effectiveness of global development.

Swiss–EU relations: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with representatives of civil society in Bern

05.11.2021 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis hosted a dinner in Bern this evening for representatives from business, academia and organisations with an interest in Europe. The aim of this gathering was to hold an open discussion on Swiss–EU relations.

Presentation of credentials ceremony

04.11.2021 — Press releases EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

Processing of personal data by the FDFA: new Act to enter into force on 1 December 2021

03.11.2021 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 3 November 2021, the Federal Council set the date for the entry into force of the Federal Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the FDFA. The Act was adopted by Parliament on 18 December 2020 and provides a clear legal framework and helps to meet current technological and societal challenges.

Ignazio Cassis inaugurates new extension Palais des Nations and opens Geneva Peace Week

01.11.2021 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), was in Geneva today. Alongside UN Geneva's Director-General Tatiana Valovaya and the Geneva authorities, he inaugurated Building H, the new extension of the Palais des Nations. Later in the day, Mr Cassis kicked off the Geneva Peace Week, an event that brings together many international cooperation actors working to promote peace and conflict prevention.

Major General Patrick Gauchat appointed head of United Nations peacekeeping mission UNTSO

29.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
On 28 October 2021 UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Major General Patrick Gauchat as Head of Mission of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East. This is the first time a Swiss officer has been given command of a UN peacekeeping mission. The Federal Council was informed of his planned deployment at its meeting on 24 September.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis launches 'On the Road to Lugano' in Kyiv

29.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
On his visit to Ukraine, Ignazio Cassis launched preparations for the 2022 Ukraine Reform Conference in Lugano together with Ukraine's prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, on 29 October 2021 in Kyiv. The conference is an opportunity for Switzerland to help establish sustainable dynamics in Ukraine's reform process. The head of the FDFA also met the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Ukraine

25.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
During his visit from 27 to 29 October 2021 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis makes a stop in the port city of Odesa and holds political talks in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. At the centre of the journey is the launch of the preparatory process for the Ukraine Reform Conference. This will take place in Lugano in July 2022 and aims to support Ukraine’s transformation efforts.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Bern for talks with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis

21.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
On 21 October 2021, Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees was in Bern for talks with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and SDC Director General Patricia Danzi. The meeting with Mr Cassis focused on cooperation between Switzerland and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as the crises in Afghanistan, Libya, Syrie and Yemen.

Georgia and Switzerland discuss further developing relations

15.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
On 15 October, President Guy Parmelin and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), welcomed Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili at the Lohn Manor. This was the first official visit by a Georgian president to Switzerland. The talks focused on further developing their bilateral relations, which are dominated by close cooperation and expanding economic ties as well as Switzerland's good offices and long-standing engagement in the South Caucasus.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis signs Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

15.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is the first donor country to sign the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations and is thereby supporting efforts to make the humanitarian system more sustainable and climate-friendly.

Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer attends IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

13.10.2021 — Press releases EDA
From 13 to 15 October 2021, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer is in Washington to represent Switzerland at the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting and the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group. Thomas Jordan, President of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will take part via video link. The meetings will focus on taxing the digital economy and boosting the economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Federal Council adopts new Asia G20 Strategy

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Asia G20 Strategy, which reflects Switzerland's wide-ranging interests in the five Asian G20 member states: China, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. The Asia G20 Strategy defines objectives and measures for the 2025–28 period, building on the South East Asia Strategy 2023–26 and China Strategy 2021–24.

FDFA temporarily closing embassy in Iran

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. All expatriate staff have now left Iran and are safe. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. Switzerland is continuing to fulfil its protecting power mandate for the US in Iran through its good offices in agreement with both countries. Switzerland calls for an urgent return to dialogue with a view to de-escalation.

New Swiss ambassadors

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

The Federal Council is investing a quarter of a billion Swiss francs to strengthen International Geneva

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council allocated CHF 269 million to International Geneva. It approved an urgent package of measures and a new dispatch on Switzerland as a host state for the period 2026–29. It is thus reaffirming the central role of International Geneva in Swiss foreign policy and its unique place in global governance. The measures are a response to the financial difficulties faced by international organisations and the increasing competition between states to host them. For comparison, the FDFA's contribution to International Geneva over the last four years amounted to almost CHF 2 billion.

Presentation of credentials

18.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

Presentation of credentials

17.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Georgia, Mr Shota Getsadze; of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Daovy Vongxay (with residence in Geneva); of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Trifunović; and of the Republic of Guatemala, Mr Rubén Estuardo Nájera Contreras (with residence in Paris) were received by President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Federal Palace on 17 June 2025 for the presentation of their credentials.

OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Serbian foreign minister, Marko Đurić, in Bern for an official working visit. Talks focused on bilateral relations, developments in the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East, the war against Ukraine and Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship next year.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council approves agreements and opens consultation process

13.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements in the new package to stabilise and develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process. After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures. Previously unresolved issues concerning wage protection, immigration, electricity and the type of referendum to be held have since been settled and presented to the public over the last five months. The consultation process will last until 31 October 2025. With this package, the Federal Council is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas. Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key.

UN Ocean Conference – Switzerland calls for global cooperation

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. The summit, which was co-organised by France and Costa Rica, aims to advance action and mobilise all stakeholders on the conservation and sustainable use of the world's oceans. The Swiss delegation is being led by Ambassador Alexandra Baumann, head of the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division.

Swiss chairship of International IDEA calls for focused action to strengthen resilience of democracies

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is chairing the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in 2025. At the meeting of the organisation's Council of Member States, the current chair of International IDEA and Swiss ambassador to Sweden, Adrian Junker, called for focused action to promote democracy worldwide and thus counter the growing pressure on democratic systems. International IDEA was founded in 1995 to bolster democracies around the globe. The council meeting in Stockholm to mark the organisation's 30th anniversary was chaired by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), who reaffirmed Switzerland's ongoing commitment to promoting the resilience of democratic systems.

Visite du Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis au Proche Orient : la Suisse réaffirme son engagement en faveur du droit international humanitaire et d’une paix durable

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a effectué les 10 et 11 juin une visite officielle en Israël et dans le Territoire palestinien occupé. Cette visite s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’engagement de la Suisse pour le dialogue, le respect du droit international humanitaire et la recherche d’une paix durable au Proche-Orient.

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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