Press releases

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Switzerland highlights the importance of the political and economic participation of rural women and their land rights

16.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
On the margins of the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the Director of the Federal Office for Gender Equality, Sylvie Durrer, opened a panel discussion yesterday, organised by Switzerland together with South Africa, Egypt, New Zealand, the Philippines, Zambia, the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Huairou Commission, on Participation of rural women in governance: Challenges and opportunities.

Inauguration of the Week of the French language and La Francophonie

15.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
The next Week of the French Language and La Francophonie kicks off in Bern on 15 March. Celebrated all over the world to reflect and showcase the diversity of la Francophonie, it runs in Switzerland until 25 March and will feature numerous events on the theme of la Francophonie in North America, combining culture, celebration and conviviality. Events will be held in more than fifteen towns and cities around the country and in German-speaking Switzerland will focus on bringing together native French speakers and learners of the language.

Carles Puigdemont in Switzerland: FDFA reaffirms its position on Catalonia

14.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has taken note of the visit of Spanish politician Carles Puigdemont to Switzerland. This is a private visit on the invitation of the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH). Mr Puigdemont is scheduled to make several public appearances during his stay in Switzerland.

Switzerland participates in the work of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

14.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is playing an active role at the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which takes place in Vienna from 12 to 16 March. Switzerland was re-elected to the commission on 1 January 2018 for another four-year term. The CND is the UN's central body for drug policy.

Swiss delegation attends session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women

12.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
The 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) begins today in New York. This year’s session will focus on achieving gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and girls in rural areas. Switzerland will be represented by a delegation led by FDFA Secretary General Markus Seiler and Director of the Federal Office for Gender Equality Sylvie Durrer.

Switzerland and Bhutan reaffirm their close ties

08.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
During a working visit to Bern on Thursday, 8 March, President Alain Berset and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay reaffirmed the continuing close ties between their two countries. Up until ten years ago, Bhutan was a Swiss development cooperation priority country, but at the end of 2016 the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) ended its activities in the country. The official talks focused on prospects and opportunities under this new chapter in bilateral relations.

The FDFA urges all parties to the Syrian conflict to implement the cessation of hostilities without delay

07.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA appeals for a rapid and effective cessation of hostilities as demanded by resolution 2401 of the United Nations Security Council.

Disseminating knowledge of the Holocaust: Switzerland passes chairmanship of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance to Italy

06.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has chaired the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) for one year. Switzerland's chairmanship saw some major achievements at a strategic level, with the IHRA setting out its first comprehensive strategy and defining the priorities for its work in the years ahead. During its chairmanship Switzerland also supported various projects in the fields of education, youth and social media. The IHRA aims to promote research and education in relation to the Holocaust and to keep the memory of the victims alive through commemoration ceremonies and places of remembrance.

Switzerland and Afghanistan sign agreement on development cooperation and humanitarian aid

06.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
On 6 March 2018, Swiss Ambassador Thomas Kolly and Afghanistan's Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi signed a framework agreement in Kabul on technical and financial cooperation and humanitarian aid. This enhances the legal basis for cooperation between the two countries. Switzerland has been engaged in Afghanistan since the 1970s and has had a permanent presence there since 2002. Through the ongoing Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) programme, Switzerland supports Afghanistan's political and economic reform process and provides humanitarian aid.

Advisory Committee of the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities to visit Switzerland

05.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
A delegation of experts from the Council of Europe will visit Switzerland from 5 to 8 March 2018 to receive information on implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. The meetings and various visits in the country will focus in particular on the situation of groups within the Swiss population recognised under the Framework Convention as national minorities, namely the national linguistic minorities, the Yenish, Sinti and Manouche people, and the Jewish community.

Relations with the EU: Federal Council takes stock and clarifies the negotiating mandate

05.03.2018 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 2 March 2018, the Federal Council concluded the analysis it had started on 31 January and continued at its special meeting on 21 February. The object was to take stock of developments in Switzerland's relations with the European Union (EU) by reviewing the four years of negotiations on the institutional questions concerning EU market access. The Federal Council is seeking to improve these access conditions while respecting Swiss institutions and their independence. It thus set out its negotiating strategy and affirmed its commitment to proceed swiftly to ensure legal certainty for the export industry and for the stability of Switzerland's economy and our relations with the EU. The quality of the solutions put forward and the safeguarding of Swiss interests remain the criteria by which the Federal Council will determine the success of the negotiations.

Switzerland and Mozambique discuss peace and sign an international cooperation agreement

28.02.2018 — Press releases EDA
The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, paid an official visit to Switzerland on Wednesday, 28 February; it is the first visit by a Mozambican head of state and government since 2009. President Alain Berset received President Nyusi with military honours at the Lohn country residence. The official talks focused on Switzerland’s good offices in the peace process in Mozambique, development cooperation and bilateral economic relations.

Media (3489)

Switzerland and EU regulate cooperation during ratification phase of package

24.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 24 June 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will sign a joint declaration in Brussels. It sets out arrangements for cooperation between Switzerland and the EU from the end of 2024 until the entry into force of the Swiss–EU package. At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements, protocols and statements for the new package to stabilise and further develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process.

Federal Council adopts new Asia G20 Strategy

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council adopted its first Asia G20 Strategy, which reflects Switzerland's wide-ranging interests in the five Asian G20 member states: China, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. The Asia G20 Strategy defines objectives and measures for the 2025–28 period, building on the South East Asia Strategy 2023–26 and China Strategy 2021–24.

New Swiss ambassadors

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

The Federal Council is investing a quarter of a billion Swiss francs to strengthen International Geneva

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 June 2025, the Federal Council allocated CHF 269 million to International Geneva. It approved an urgent package of measures and a new dispatch on Switzerland as a host state for the period 2026–29. It is thus reaffirming the central role of International Geneva in Swiss foreign policy and its unique place in global governance. The measures are a response to the financial difficulties faced by international organisations and the increasing competition between states to host them. For comparison, the FDFA's contribution to International Geneva over the last four years amounted to almost CHF 2 billion.

FDFA temporarily closing embassy in Iran

20.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran. All expatriate staff have now left Iran and are safe. They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows. Switzerland is continuing to fulfil its protecting power mandate for the US in Iran through its good offices in agreement with both countries. Switzerland calls for an urgent return to dialogue with a view to de-escalation.

Presentation of credentials

18.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

Presentation of credentials

17.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Georgia, Mr Shota Getsadze; of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Daovy Vongxay (with residence in Geneva); of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Ivan Trifunović; and of the Republic of Guatemala, Mr Rubén Estuardo Nájera Contreras (with residence in Paris) were received by President Karin Keller-Sutter at the Federal Palace on 17 June 2025 for the presentation of their credentials.

OECD publishes development cooperation peer review on Switzerland

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 June 2025, the OECD published its latest development cooperation peer review on Switzerland. The peer review takes place as part of a regular review process that the 33 members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) undergo every six years. The report recognises the continuous development of Swiss international cooperation and formulates recommendations.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić

16.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, today received the Serbian foreign minister, Marko Đurić, in Bern for an official working visit. Talks focused on bilateral relations, developments in the Western Balkans, the situation in the Middle East, the war against Ukraine and Switzerland's OSCE chairpersonship next year.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council approves agreements and opens consultation process

13.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 13 June 2025, the Federal Council approved the agreements in the new package to stabilise and develop Switzerland's bilateral approach with the EU and opened the domestic consultation process. After Switzerland brought the negotiations with the EU to a successful close in December 2024, the Federal Council finalised the implementing legislation and accompanying measures. Previously unresolved issues concerning wage protection, immigration, electricity and the type of referendum to be held have since been settled and presented to the public over the last five months. The consultation process will last until 31 October 2025. With this package, the Federal Council is aiming for customised sectoral participation in the EU single market as well as cooperation in selected areas. Given the current global unrest, maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is key.

Visite du Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis au Proche Orient : la Suisse réaffirme son engagement en faveur du droit international humanitaire et d’une paix durable

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le Conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères (DFAE), a effectué les 10 et 11 juin une visite officielle en Israël et dans le Territoire palestinien occupé. Cette visite s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’engagement de la Suisse pour le dialogue, le respect du droit international humanitaire et la recherche d’une paix durable au Proche-Orient.

UN Ocean Conference – Switzerland calls for global cooperation

12.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is taking part in the UN Ocean Conference in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. The summit, which was co-organised by France and Costa Rica, aims to advance action and mobilise all stakeholders on the conservation and sustainable use of the world's oceans. The Swiss delegation is being led by Ambassador Alexandra Baumann, head of the FDFA's Prosperity and Sustainability Division.

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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