Press releases

All news (3659)

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.

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

Media (3508)

Federal Councillor Burkhalter on official working visit to Liechtenstein

25.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
On 26 June 2015, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, is being welcomed for official talks in Vaduz by Aurelia Frick, the Liechtenstein Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture. Mr Burkhalter will also pay a courtesy visit to the head of the Liechtenstein government, Adrian Hasler.

Official working visit to Switzerland by the Slovak foreign minister

25.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday, 25 June 2015, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter received Slovakia ’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miroslav Lajčák, for an official visit to Switzerland. In addition to bilateral relations, the main agenda item was Switzerland’s policy on the European Union (EU). Slovakia will assume the presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2016. Talks also covered various regional and multilateral issues as well as current international affairs. Afterwards, Mr Lajčák paid the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, a courtesy visit.

More Swiss aid convoys reach people in need in Ukraine on both sides of the contact line

24.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
In the last few days, Switzerland has again succeeded in delivering medical supplies and water treatment chemicals to a number of hospitals and waterworks in Ukraine and eastern Ukraine. A convoy carrying 300 tonnes of chemical water treatment products, medical equipment and medicines reached the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine today to supply approximately 3.5 million people in need in the Donetsk region with clean drinking water and deliver urgently needed medical equipment to four hospitals. The convoy was accompanied by a water expert, a doctor, a logistics specialist and a security expert from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit.

Federal Council adopts report on consular support for Swiss nationals abroad

24.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
More and more Swiss nationals are travelling abroad or living outside of Switzerland. Demand for the consular services provided by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA is growing accordingly. In a report published today, the Federal Council for the first time provides a concise account of how assistance to Swiss nationals in difficulties abroad is organised, which services the Federal Government is able to provide in partnership with cantonal authorities, partner states, private organisations and further third parties, what challenges the individuals concerned face, and the limits to the help that is available.

The Federal Council notes the results of the consultation on continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

24.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has taken note of the results of the consultation on continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe, which remains in force until the end of May 2017. Its renewal would enable the continuation of cooperation with those states of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union that are not members of the European Union. The corresponding dispatch to Parliament is expected to be submitted by the end of February 2016 at the latest.

Bundesrat verabschiedet Verordnungen für Zulassung von Ultraleichtflugzeugen

24.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
Der Bundesrat und das Eidgenössische Departement für Umwelt, Verkehr, Energie und Kommunikation (UVEK) haben heute verschiedene Verordnungen angepasst, um die schon beschlossene Lockerung des Verbotes von Ultraleichtflugzeugen umzusetzen. Die Änderungen werden auf Mitte Juli in Kraft gesetzt. Damit können die Zulassungsverfahren für elektrisch angetriebene Ultraleichtflugzeuge durchgeführt werden.

Official working visit to Bern by Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs

23.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter received this Tuesday the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, for an official working visit to Bern. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, Iceland's and Switzerland's policies on the European Union (EU), and various current international issues.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter thanks Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini for her work for peace in Ukraine

22.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
After one year in office, Swiss Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini steps down as Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Ukraine. Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter thanks Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini for the exceptional service she performed in carrying out her challenging mandate for peace in Ukraine. Today, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbian Foreign Minister, Ivica Dačić, has appointed Austrian Ambassador Martin Sajdik as Ambassador Tagliavini's successor.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter makes the case in Vienna for a comprehensive commitment to strengthening security in Europe

17.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
At the Munich Security Conference Core Group Meeting today in Vienna, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Didier Burkhalter, emphasised that the search for a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine is closely related to the joint undertaking by all states to promote future security in Europe. Mr Burkhalter believes that the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) can play key roles in both cases.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to attend conference in Vienna on the future of European security

16.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will travel to Vienna on Wednesday 17 June 2015 to attend the Core Group Meeting, an annual event by the organisers of the Munich Security Conference. This year's gathering will focus on the situation in Ukraine and the future of European security. Members of the Panel of Eminent Persons will also be in Vienna to present their interim report on strengthening the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

New cooperation strategy for Ukraine 2015-2018

15.06.2015 — Press releases EDA
As part of its new 2015-2018 cooperation strategy for Ukraine, Switzerland is stepping up its commitment over the coming four years in the fields of governance, peacebuilding, health, sustainable energy management and financial and economic sustainability. It is thus responding to the impact of the Ukrainian conflict and the government’s reform efforts.

Emin Huseynov arrives in Bern after 10 months at Swiss embassy in Baku

13.06.2015 — Press releases EDA

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 (3659)

Media (3508)

Other news (151)

Links

Information for the media

Contact