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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.

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

Media (3508)

Official visits by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to Lebanon, Cyprus and the United Kingdom

26.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is paying an official visit to Lebanon on 27 and 28 July 2012. The head of the FDFA intends to express Switzerland's support to this country, which is being directly affected by the crisis in Syria. He also seeks to obtain a picture of the humanitarian situation in the region. He will then proceed to Cyprus, which recently assumed the presidency of the EU, after which he will travel to the United Kingdom. In both these countries he will be outlining Switzerland's European policy.

Attack in Burgas (Bulgaria) – Statement of the FDFA

23.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA condemns the attack on a bus carrying Israeli tourists in the Bulgarian city of Burgas on Wednesday that killed at least six people.

House of Switzerland: the Swiss “Red Zone” at the Olympic Games in London is open

20.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss guest house opens its doors a week before the Olympic Games begin in London. As part of a celebratory ceremony, the House of Switzerland officially opens on the bank of the Thames on 20 July 2012. Over the coming 24 days, the House of Switzerland will offer Swiss athletes an oasis of calm in the middle of London and entertain the public with a varied programme of Swiss music, culture, art and culinary specialities. Swiss athletes, journalists, politicians and business people can use the House of Switzerland as a meeting place to hold discussions and make contacts.

Elections in Libya - Statement of the FDFA

19.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland congratulates Libya on the holding of the elections to the National General Assembly (Parliament) on 7 July 2012 in a peaceful atmosphere. This first national ballot for more than 40 years is an important step, which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes. Switzerland now calls on Libyan civil society and on the Libyan authorities to continue on the path of democratic transition.

Execution of three Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip - Statement of the FDFA

19.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland condemns the execution of three Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip on 17 July 2012

Swiss apps: Switzerland

15.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Presence Switzerland in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is launching an app entitled Swiss Games. It is a new instrument in Switzerland's national communication strategy. The aim is to present Switzerland to young people in a playful and entertaining way. The Swiss Games will be used for the first time in the framework of the House of Switzerland UK 2012 at the Olympic Games in London.

The consolidated report by Switzerland on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

04.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
In its meeting of 4 July 2012 the Federal Council approved the follow-up report by Switzerland on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989. The report describes the measures that Switzerland has taken to strengthen children's rights. The report will now be submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the body that monitors this Convention.

Protection of the Swiss Embassy in Tripoli – mandate of the DDPS detachment renewed

04.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on Wednesday 4 July 2012, the Federal Council decided to extend the deployment of a special detachment of the Swiss Armed Forces to protect the Swiss Embassy in Tripoli for a further six months (August 2012 – January 2013). According to the government, the security situation in Libya remains volatile. It has informed the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and the Security Policy Committees of its decision.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets Serbia

03.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, today held talks with the Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic. Their discussions focused on issues in the UN General Assembly (UN GA), where Vuk Jeremic will be president in the autumn. Mr Jeremic also met former Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss, president of the 65th UN General Assembly.

Official working visit to Bern by the Liechtenstein Foreign Minister

29.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), has received Ms Aurelia Frick, minister of foreign affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein, in Bern for an official working visit. The two ministers discussed a number of bilateral issues, in particular co-operation in consular matters. The discussions also covered relations with the European Union and other current international topics.

Negotiations successful — Switzerland to remain in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

27.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is to remain in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Swiss nationals to enter and travel in the United States without a visa for up to ninety days. The Federal Office of Police succeeded in negotiating with the United States Switzerland’s continued participation in the Program. The outcome of the negotiations is in line with the mandate issued by the Federal Council, which took note of the results on Wednesday. Formal approval of the outcome of the negotiations is scheduled for one of the next council meetings.

Switzerland to increase its aid to fight rural poverty

27.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland increases its support for the fight against poverty in rural areas of developing countries. On Wednesday 27 June 2012, the Federal Council decided to contribute CHF 28.5 million over the next three years to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

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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