Press releases

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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.

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)

Working visit of Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann to Bern

21.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
President of the Confederation Didier Burkhalter and Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf received Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann on 21 January 2014 at the Lohn estate in Kehrsatz for an official working visit. Besides bilateral relations, their discussions centred on Switzerland's policy on Europe, fiscal matters, multilateral issues and the upcoming conference on Syria in Montreux.

State visit by the president of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-hye, in Bern

20.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 20 January 2014, the president of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, received his South Korean counterpart, Park Geun-hye, in Bern for a two-day state visit. During the visit, Switzerland and the Republic of Korea signed several documents with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of social insurance, the economy, health care and research, as well as institutionalising their political dialogue. Three other Federal Councillors took part in the talks conducted by the two presidents.

Visit by the Italian minister of economy and finance, Fabrizio Saccomanni, on 30 January 2014

20.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Italian minister of economy and finance, Fabrizio Saccomanni, will travel to Switzerland on 30 January 2014. He will open the second forum for dialogue between Switzerland and Italy in the company of the president of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter. He will also meet Federal Councillor Eveline Widmer Schlumpf, head of the Federal Department of Finance (FDF).

Switzerland and Austria confirm close relationship of trust between the two neighbour states

17.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
As part of an official working visit, the president of the Confederation, Didier Burkhalter, met with the Austrian federal president, Heinz Fischer, today in Vienna. The meeting focused on bilateral themes as well as policy on Europe and the priorities of the Swiss Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

OSCE Permanent Council: President of the Confederation Didier Burkhalter emphasises the role of dialogue in working for peace and security

16.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
In his first official appearance as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Swiss President Didier Burkhalter discussed the priorities of Switzerland's OSCE Chairmanship with representatives of the 57 OSCE participating States in Vienna.

Federal Council approves Foreign Policy Report 2013

15.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 January 2014, the Federal Council approved the Foreign Policy Report 2013. The report provides a complete overview of Swiss foreign policy and gives an account of the most significant foreign policy activities of 2013. It also provides an initial assessment of the implementation of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2012-2015.

Switzerland supports humanitarian aid for the Syrian crisis with a further CHF 30 million

13.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
War has been raging in Syria for more than 1000 days; the humanitarian situation in the region is catastrophic. According to UN estimates, approximately 9.3 million people in Syria need humanitarian aid. The number of refugees has more than tripled to 2.3 million over the last 12 months and is expected to exceed 4 million by the end of 2014. In view of the situation, the UN is about to convene another donor conference in Kuwait during which it will call on the international community to provide USD 6.5 billion in assistance this year. Switzerland will pledge additional assistance in response to this appeal for humanitarian aid – the largest the UN has made to date.

President of the Confederation Didier Burkhalter travels to Vienna to launch the OSCE Chairmanship and meet with Austria

13.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
Swiss President Didier Burkhalter's first trip abroad in 2014 takes him to Austria. In his capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, on 16 January 2014 Mr Burkhalter will address the Permanent Council, one of the organisation's decision-making bodies, in Vienna. On 17 January, Mr Burkhalter will meet Austrian President Heinz Fischer, Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Michael Spindelegger and Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz in Vienna. On 21 January, Austrian Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann will be received in Bern during his first trip abroad as head of the new Austrian government.

State visit by South Korean president Park Geun-Hye from 20 to 21 January 2014

09.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
On invitation by the Federal Council, the president of the Republic of Korea will pay a state visit to Switzerland from 20 to 21 January 2014. Talks will centre on political, economic and scientific cooperation, as well as current international issues such as climate change and sustainable development. Various documents aimed at deepening bilateral relations will also be signed.

Official talks with Slovakian foreign minister Miroslav Lajčák

09.01.2014 — Press releases EDA
After taking part in the cantonal governments' annual seminar in Interlaken, President of the Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Didier Burkhalter met the Slovakian foreign minister, Miroslav Lajčák, for an official working lunch. The discussions centred on bilateral relations, relations with the EU, the Swiss OSCE chairmanship and international issues.

Philippe Lazzarini appointed Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Somalia

31.12.2013 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA is pleased to note the appointment of the Swiss expert.

Switzerland steps up support for victims of crisis in Central African Republic

20.12.2013 — Press releases EDA
In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), Switzerland has allocated CHF 800,000 for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to protect internally displaced persons. This commitment is in addition to the support totalling CHF 2.7 million that Switzerland has already earmarked for 2013 for the emergency operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Food Programme (WFP), the UNHCR and Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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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