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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.

Media (3464)

Draft bill on funding for national human rights institution issued for consultation

28.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has prepared the ground for the establishment of a national human rights institution in Switzerland by opening the procedure for consultation on a draft bill on funding for the future institution. It will play an important role in implementing human rights in Switzerland.

Lest we forget: Switzerland promotes education and research into the Holocaust

26.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
This week the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is to hold its plenary meeting in Geneva under Switzerland’s chairmanship. The IHRA aims to promote research and education about the Holocaust and to keep alive the memory of the victims through commemorations and memorials. The Swiss chair organised an event today, the first day of the meeting, at which pupils from schools in Geneva and Biel/Bienne presented their translations of the memoirs of Holocaust survivors.

UN Human Rights Council: Switzerland commits to strengthening conflict prevention and rights for women and children

23.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
The Human Rights Council ends its three-week June session today in Geneva. On the first anniversary of the Appeal of 13 June 2016 in Geneva and New York, Switzerland recalled the need to strengthen conflict prevention in the UN system through greater inclusion of human rights.

2017–2020 strategy: Switzerland continues fight against illicit trade in and misuse of small arms and light weapons

A congolese soldier counts the numerous weapons on the floor.

23.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
Every year, more than half a million people worldwide suffer a violent death. No other weapons category causes more violent deaths than small arms. Despite international efforts – in which Switzerland plays an active role – these weapons continue to pose a threat to peace, security and development in many parts of the world. Switzerland has therefore defined the objectives and priorities for its commitment in this area for the period 2017–2020. It will continue to make a concrete contribution at the political and operational levels to protection from armed violence.

Advancing development: Switzerland’s specialisation in vocational education and training

23.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
A thousand people attended this year's Annual Development Cooperation Conference which took place on Friday 23 June at the EPFL in Lausanne. In his opening speech, Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann underlined Switzerland’s valuable expertise in the field of vocational training. He stated that the country had a key role to play in development cooperation in the years to come by sharing its long-standing experience to help overcome major challenges in this area.

Switzerland renews its financial support to UNICEF

21.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting of 21 June 2017 the Federal Council decided to renew its overall contribution of CHF 22 million to UNICEF for 2017. UNICEF plays a decisive role in the promotion of children’s rights. It is especially active in protecting children in armed conflicts. UNICEF has played a major role in drastically reducing infant mortality.

2016: Switzerland’s commitment to creating long-term prospects

20.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
Disasters and protracted conflicts, forced migration, rising inequality: 2016 saw troubled times for much of the planet. In the face of these challenges, Switzerland strengthened its engagement in fragile and conflict-affected regions and worked to develop sustainable solutions in partner countries. The Annual Report, published jointly by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), examines the results of Switzerland's international cooperation in 2016.

An important partner in water diplomacy: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter in political talks in Kazakhstan

19.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter has met with Kazakhstan's foreign minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov and Speaker of the Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana. Apart from certain bilateral issues and economic cooperation, the talks also focused on security aspects and on water diplomacy, an area in which Switzerland and Kazakhstan are now closely collaborating. With the Blue Peace Central Asia initiative, Switzerland supports Kazakhstan and other central Asian states in the dialogue to build structures for transboundary water management in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is a member of the high-level panel launched by Switzerland to develop the global architecture to prevent water-related conflicts.

Swiss enlargement contribution: 10 country programmes in central and eastern Europe come to a successful close

19.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
The 10-year implementation period for Switzerland’s enlargement contribution to the 10 central and eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004 came to an end on 14 June 2017. Under the contribution, Parliament approved a total of CHF 1 billion to implement 210 projects which have helped reduce economic and social disparities among broad sections of the population living in the EU. In so doing, Switzerland has demonstrated its solidarity with these countries and has been able to consolidate ties with the new EU member states in a number of areas, including Swiss businesses.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter launches ‘Blue Peace’ initiative for transboundary water management in Central Asia

Federal Councilor Didier Burkhalter in conversation young people from Central Asia.

19.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is assisting five Central Asian states in developing solutions for managing transboundary water resources. “Reaching agreement on common structures for water utilisation creates trust and strengthens cooperation,” Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter declared in Astana at the launch of Switzerland’s Blue Peace initiative for Central Asia. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) also met young people at the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2017 in Astana and discussed their visions for the future regarding water.

Le Conseil fédéral adopte le rapport 2016 sur la politique migratoire extérieure

16.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseil fédéral a adopté, lors de sa séance du 16 juin 2017, son rapport 2016 sur les activités concernant la politique migratoire extérieure de la Suisse. L’année sous revue a été marquée par les conflits armés qui persistent en Syrie et en Irak et la situation difficile des personnes réfugiées dans les pays voisins, ainsi que par le contexte délicat de la Corne de l’Afrique. En 2016, la Suisse s’est fortement engagée en faveur de solutions durables dans les régions en crise. Son engagement s’est manifesté notamment par une aide humanitaire sur le terrain, des programmes de protection, et la promotion des droits de l’homme et de la paix. Au niveau multilatéral, une déclaration politique visant à protéger les réfugiés et les migrants a pu être adoptée lors du sommet de l’ONU consacré aux réfugiés et aux migrants.

Cross-border water management as an instrument for stability: Federal Councillor Burkhalter opens conference in Astana

15.06.2017 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is scheduled to launch a Swiss initiative that sets a new course for cross-border water cooperation in central Asia. This will take place at a conference in the Kazakh capital Astana on 19 June 2017. In his opening speech, Mr Burkhalter will emphasise that structured water management is a factor for stability. The conference in Astana builds on Switzerland’s long-standing engagement for sustainable water use in the region.

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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