Published on 1 February 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Marshall Islands

Switzerland and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have maintained bilateral relations since 2003. Government contacts mainly take place within the framework of multilateral conferences.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Switzerland pursues four main strands of cooperation with all of the Pacific island states:

  • International Geneva: Switzerland offers all Pacific island states financial and logistical support to establish a permanent mission to the UN and to the other international organisations in Geneva. A permanent mission provides the small island states with opportunities to voice their concerns and interests to the international community.
  • Multilateral organisations: through organisations such as the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund and others, the Pacific region indirectly benefits from Swiss funding, particularly in the area of climate change.
  • Individual projects in human security, human rights and humanitarian aid: Switzerland has a Humanitarian Aid Hub in Bangkok, which can provide emergency aid in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes in the Pacific states.
  • Small-scale projects through the Swiss embassies in Wellington, Canberra and Manila.

The Swiss embassy in Manila is in charge of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the Marshall Islands.

In 2019, the Marshall Islands opened a representation in Geneva, with logistical support provided by Switzerland. This is the Marshall Islands' first permanent mission based in Europe.

Switzerland has also assisted the Marshall Islands in storing the records of the Marshall Islands Nuclear Claims Tribunal. The Swiss Federal Archives are responsible for storing digital copies of the records for backup purposes.

Official website of the government of the Marshall Islands

Agreement governing the preservation and storage of records of the Nuclear Claims Tribunal of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Cooperation in education, research and innovation

Researchers from the Marshall Islands can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland’s universal foreign policy led it to establish diplomatic relations with the Marshall Islands in 2003.

Marshall Islands, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

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