Press releases

All news (3676)

Wine in Swiss embassies: the FDFA wants to promote Swiss wines more effectively

04.06.2013 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA encourages Swiss Embassies abroad to exclusively serve Swiss wines at official receptions. To this effect an in response to two motions passed by Parliament, the FDFA has modified the procedure for supplying Swiss representations abroad so as to give preference to Swiss wines.

Swiss International Cooperation evaluated by the OECD

04.06.2013 — Press releases EDA
From 3 to 7 June 2013, experts of the member countries of the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) will be evaluating Switzerland’s international cooperation. This peer review, which takes place approximately every four years, will conclude with the formulation of recommendations on how to improve the quality and effectiveness of the operations conducted by the Federal bodies active in the domain of development cooperation.

Switzerland signs Arms Trade Treaty

04.06.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 3 June 2013, Ambassador Paul Seger, Switzerland’s permanent representative to the UN, signed the Arms Trade Treaty in New York on behalf of Switzerland.

Situation in the Syrian city of Al-Kusair – Statement of the FDFA

03.06.2013 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA is extremely concerned about the situation in Syria, notably intensified fighting in the city of Kusair.

Swiss diplomat appointed to high level position in the UN System

31.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Diplomat Thomas Gass, who is now Switzerland's ambassador to Nepal, has been appointed today to one of the highest positions in the UN Secretariat. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has chosen him as Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).

Working visit by the State Secretary to Mali and Burkina Faso

31.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
From 28 to 31 May 2012, a Swiss delegation led by the State Secretary, Yves Rossier, and the Deputy-Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Maya Tissafi, travelled to Mali on a working visit. The purpose of the trip was to reaffirm Switzerland’s commitment peace promotion, humanitarian aid and development in the region. In this light, Switzerland has decided to resume its decentralised budgetary aid to Mali. An agreement to this effect was signed in Bamako. Prior to its visit to Mali, the Swiss delegation made a stop-over in Burkina Faso.

Official working visit by the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karel Schwarzenberg

31.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Karel Schwarzenberg, on 31 May 2013 for an official working visit to Bern. Their discussions focused on Switzerland's European policy, the Czech Republic's European Neighbourhood Policy, the Swiss contribution to the enlargement of the European Union, and economic relations between the two countries.

Switzerland

31.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
More than 200 projects are now being implemented as part of the enlargement contribution. At the annual conference of Swiss Cooperation with Eastern Europe on 31 May 2013 in Bern, government representatives and experts from Switzerland and abroad discussed the importance and the impact of these projects. About 750 people took part in the annual conference in the Hotel National, an exceptionally high turnout.

2012 Annual Report on Switzerland’s International Cooperation

27.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
The just-published 2012 Annual Report on Switzerland's International Cooperation sets out a unified strategy that encompasses – for the first time – humanitarian aid, technical and financial cooperation, economic and trade policy measures, and cooperation with the countries of Eastern Europe. SDC Director-General Martin Dahinden and State Secretary and Director of SECO Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch stress that this important milestone has been welcomed both by Parliament and by public opinion. The report presents the main results of Switzerland's commitment to combating poverty and reducing global risks.

The Federal Council opens the consultation procedure on the draft of the federal act on the freezing and restitution of potentates

22.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Earlier today, the Federal Council opened a consultation procedure on the preliminary draft of the Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Assets of Politically Exposed Persons obtained by Unlawful Means. This draft federal act incorporates current practice and legal bases currently in force, and will regulate all issues relating to the freezing, confiscation and restitution of assets linked to foreign dictators which were obtained by unlawful means.

Switzerland hosts the international conference on disaster risk reduction in Geneva

21.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Natural and man-made disasters are occurring with increasing frequency. To alleviate suffering, preparedness is becoming ever more important. Switzerland is currently hosting, from 19 to 23 May 2012, the Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva. The President of the Confederation, Ueli Maurer, opened the conference. It is being chaired by the director-general of the SDC, Martin Dahinden. About 2,500 specialists from around the world have travelled to Geneva for the event, which is organised by UNISDR, the United Nations agency for disaster risk reduction. The main aims of the conference are to strengthen disaster risk reduction in development aid and to consider future policy following the expiry of the Hyogo Framework for Action in 2015.

WHO-Versammlung von Bundesrat Alain Berset eröffnet

20.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Bundesrat Alain Berset hat in Genf die 66. Weltgesundheitsversammlung eröffnet. Er nutzte seine Anwesenheit für bilaterale Treffen mit Gesundheitsministern, wobei er eine Einladung für einen Arbeitsbesuch in China akzeptierte. Zudem unterzeichnet er eine Kooperationsstrategie mit der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO).

Media (3525)

EPC Summit in Copenhagen: President Keller-Sutter meets Cypriot leader ahead of Council of EU presidency

02.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
On Thursday, 2 October, the president of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit meeting in Copenhagen. Ahead of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the EU over the next six-month term, Ms Keller-Sutter took the opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on the sidelines of the meeting of European heads of state and government.

Restitution of assets to the benefit of the population of Equatorial Guinea

29.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea signed an agreement today on the restitution of CHF 22.8 million to Equatorial Guinea. The funds will be used to finance a project aimed at improving the quality of and access to primary healthcare services for vulnerable peoples in four of the Central African country's provinces. The funds returned will therefore benefit the country's population.

Ignazio Cassis reaffirms Switzerland's foreign policy priorities at 80th UN General Assembly in New York

25.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
During the high-level week of the 80th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the FDFA highlighted its priorities: promoting peace, respecting international humanitarian law and strengthening multilateral cooperation. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, took part in several conferences and bilateral meetings, addressing topics such as Switzerland's future OSCE chairpersonship in 2026, Russia's war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.

In New York President Karin Keller-Sutter emphasises the responsibility of states to ensure security and freedom

24.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the opening of the General Debate at the UN in New York on Wednesday, 24 September, President Karin Keller-Sutter cited security and freedom as key values in marking the start of another new era 80 years after the founding of the UN. She also reaffirmed Switzerland's support for the UN's reform efforts.

La Suisse participe à New York à la conférence sur la solution à deux Etats et se joint à un appel demandant à Israël de lever les restrictions médicales pour les patients de Gaza (fr)

23.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
Conformément aux efforts déployés depuis longtemps par la Suisse en faveur d'une solution politique au conflit au Proche-Orient, le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis a participé à New York à la conférence sur la solution à deux États. Cette conférence est une reprise de la réunion de haut-niveau tenue au mois de juillet dans le cadre de l’Assemblée générale de l’ONU sur le même sujet. En outre, la Suisse s’est jointe à une déclaration commune de plusieurs Etats pour demander à Israël de lever les restrictions sur les médicaments et les équipements médicaux, et de rouvrir le corridor d’évacuation médicale de Gaza vers la Cisjordanie, y compris Jérusalem-Est.

Presentation of credentials

18.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation visits Switzerland to discuss federalism, democracy and reconciliation

18.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
From 14 to 21 September 2025, a delegation of 12 Sri Lankan lawmakers and high-level political decision-makers, including members of the government and the opposition, is visiting Switzerland at the invitation of the FDFA. The trip was jointly organised by the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) and the Swiss embassy in Colombo, and focuses on federalism, democracy and reconciliation.

Ignazio Cassis on working visit to Vienna to discuss Swiss 2026 OSCE chairpersonship

15.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will be in Vienna from 17 to 18 September 2025. During his visit, he will present Switzerland's priorities for its 2026 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairpersonship to the OSCE Permanent Council. Mr Cassis will also meet with the Austrian minister for Europe, integration and family, Ms Claudia Plakolm.

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Switzerland invests CHF 64 million and confirms Geneva's role as global capital of health

12.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 12 September 2025, the Federal Council decided to earmark CHF 64 million for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the period 2026–28. Through this support, Switzerland is helping to save millions of lives, prevent the spread of infectious diseases and strengthen healthcare systems in the most vulnerable countries. It is also reaffirming Geneva's role as the global capital of health and a key location for multilateralism.

Karin Keller-Sutter and Ignazio Cassis to represent Switzerland at opening of 80th UN General Assembly

12.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
Bern, 12. September 2025 – At its meeting on 12 September, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Switzerland will be represented by President Karin Keller-Sutter and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the high-level week from 22 to 30 September 2025.

Switzerland allocates CHF 1 million to support earthquake victims in Afghanistan

03.09.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has decided to allocate CHF 1 million to help those affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan. Three days after the disaster, the death toll stands at over 1,400, with 3,000 injured. The affected areas, located in the east of the country near the border with Pakistan, are difficult to access, which is complicating relief efforts.

Meeting with Ukraine's prime minister

28.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
Karin Keller-Sutter, President of the Swiss Confederation, hosted Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, for a courtesy visit on 28 August 2025 in Bern. The talks focused on the peace process and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

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 (3676)

Media (3525)

Other news (151)

Links

Information for the media

Contact