Press releases

All news (3657)

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

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).

Media (3506)

Federal Councillor Burkhalter and Foreign Minister Malcorra open up new chapter on cooperation between Switzerland and Argentina

26.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will sign an agreement with the Argentinian Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra in Buenos Aires today on expanding cooperation between Switzerland and Argentina. This agreement opens up a new chapter in the countries’ bilateral relations, which are characterised by many shared values. Among other things, the two countries cooperate closely in the area of dealing with the past. Before meeting Ms Malcorra, Mr Burkhalter paid tribute in the ‘Parque de la Memoria’ to the thousands of people who were murdered and disappeared during the military dictatorship. The working visit to Argentina is in line with Switzerland‘s Foreign Policy Strategy 2016-19, one of whose priorities is to establish strategic partnerships with selected states.

Switzerland strengthens process to deal with illicitly acquired assets

25.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
At today's session, the Federal Council set 1 July 2016 as the date for the entry into force of the Foreign Illicit Assets Act and related ordinances. Switzerland has thus strengthened its legislative framework to deal comprehensively with the problem of illicitly acquired assets, including the restitution of such assets.

Ukraine: First Swiss aid convoy using rail transport reaches Donetsk

25.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
Two more Swiss Humanitarian Aid convoys have delivered water treatment chemicals and medical goods to the conflict zone in Ukraine. For one of these, Swiss Humanitarian Aid, part of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), used rail transport for the first time.

Aid and prospects close to home for refugees: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter visits Swiss-sponsored projects in Lebanon

24.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
Having attended the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul where he discussed measures to jointly tackle violent conflict, major humanitarian challenges and the refugee crisis, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, stopped off in Lebanon. In the capital, Beirut, he visited a number of projects in a show of support for the efforts being made by Switzerland and its partner organisations to improve the future prospects of people in Lebanon. There, he spoke among other things with young people about their tough living conditions and their ideas for the future.

Prevention, mediation and future prospects: Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter urges comprehensive action to help people in need

The first World Humanitarian Summit will take place in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May 2016.

23.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
At the World Humanitarian Summit taking place in Istanbul from 23 to 24 May, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter stressed the importance of finding political solutions to an increasing number of crises, conflicts and natural disasters. Mr Burkhalter, who is head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), announced Switzerland's intention to step up its commitment to mediation and prevention work, calling for effective relief efforts and greater respect for international humanitarian law. Switzerland works actively to provide aid, find political solutions and tackle the root causes of conflicts so that people are not only given emergency assistance but prospects for the future, reducing the need for forced migration.

New aid consignment on its way to Donetsk

23.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
Since 22 May 2016, two Swiss Humanitarian Aid convoys carrying chemicals for water treatment and medical goods have been on their way to the conflict zone in Ukraine. Part of the consignment, containing medical supplies and medicines, will be delivered to the hospital in Kurakhove this morning. In addition, rail transport is being used for the first time.

Appropriate staff for the diplomatic service

20.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
In its meeting of 18 May, the Federal Council took note of the content of the evaluation report 'Appropriate staff for the diplomatic service' drawn up by the Control Committee of the Council of States and stated its opinion on the recommendations made in the report.

China and Switzerland in dialogue on human rights

20.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
The 14th round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China took place from 17 to 20 May in Beijing. The discussions allowed an open, constructive and mutually critical debate on bilateral human rights issues which are priorities for Switzerland, such as the criminal justice system, including the death penalty, the rights of minorities, strengthening the international human rights protection system as well as business and human rights. The human rights dialogue was held in a confidential framework.

Colombian peace deal to be deposited in Switzerland

19.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
The Colombian government and FARC rebels have issued a joint statement stipulating that the final agreement on ending the conflict and building sustainable and long lasting peace in Colombia is to be deposited in Switzerland. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes this statement. The FDFA has been providing specialised expertise for the negotiations between the Colombian government and FARC rebels.

Implementation of foreign policy strategy: Federal Councillor Burkhalter travels to Turkey, Lebanon and South America

19.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
On 23 and 24 May 2016, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, will attend the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul and travel on to Lebanon to visit projects supported by Switzerland to provide Syrian refugees with concrete help. On 26 and 27 May, Mr Burkhalter will travel to Argentina and Uruguay for bilateral talks and will meet the descendants of Swiss emigrants in Nueva Helvecia in Uruguay.

New Swiss consul-general in Munich

19.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
Markus Thür has been named the new Swiss consul-general in Munich and will assume his new office as of mid-June 2016.

King of Bahrain received at Lohn Manor

12.05.2016 — Press releases EDA
The King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, was received by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, at Lohn Manor on Thursday, 12 May, for an official working visit. Beforehand FDFA State Secretary Yves Rossier held talks with the Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. A number of agreements were signed following the conclusion of technical discussions.

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.

FDFA

News

Press releases

Press releases

All news (3657)

Media (3506)

Other news (151)

Links

Information for the media

Contact