Press releases

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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

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel in Germany for political consultations

01.07.2025 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, was in Berlin on 1 July 2025 to hold political consultations with his German counterpart, the state secretary of the Federal Foreign Office, Géza Andreas von Geyr. Talks focused on current geopolitical developments, bilateral issues and the opening of the consultation procedure in Switzerland on the agreements in the new Swiss-EU package. Mr Fasel also met with the state secretary of Germany's Federal Chancellery, Jörg Semmler.

Switzerland attends 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

30.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be participating in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. Organised under the auspices of the United Nations, this global event aims to address financing challenges in order to help achieve the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will cover a wide range of issues relating to development policy, environmental, economic and social sustainability, and macroeconomics. The Swiss delegation is being led by Patricia Danzi, director general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Karin Keller-Sutter to meet Emmanuel Macron in Paris

27.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, is to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday, 1 July. The geopolitical situation and security issues will be at the centre of their discussions. Also on the agenda are bilateral relations between Switzerland and France, European policy and competitiveness.

Switzerland to host a global summit on artificial intelligence in 2027

25.06.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 25 June 2025, the Federal Council expressed its intention to host an artificial intelligence (AI) summit in Geneva in 2027.

Media (3504)

European policy: arrangements for consultations on the draft institutional agreement

16.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting of 16 January 2019, the Federal Council decided on the arrangements for consultations on the draft institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union. Interactive consultations will be held in the form of meetings with the groups concerned, providing an opportunity to explain the draft agreement and answer questions. The Federal Council will review the status of these consultations in the spring.

Switzerland assumes chairmanship of OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation

16.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
From January to April 2019, Switzerland holds the chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC). The Forum’s Security Dialogues are an opportunity for the 57 OSCE member States to discuss issues of military security and stability in Europe. The Forum provides a platform for action to address issues such as the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.

Ignazio Cassis receives Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Enzo Moavero Milanesi in Lugano

14.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has hosted a working meeting with Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Enzo Moavero Milanesi in Lugano. The two ministers underlined the close relationship between Switzerland and Italy and discussed a number of bilateral and multilateral issues. Switzerland's European policy was also on the agenda.

Unfall mit sechs Schweizer Todesopfern in Schweden – Stellungnahme des EDA (DE)

13.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
Mit grosser Betroffenheit nimmt das EDA vom schweren Unfall Kenntnis, bei dem am 12. Januar 2019 in Schweden sechs Schweizer Staatsangehörige ums Leben gekommen sind und ein Schweizer verletzt wurde. Bundesrat Ignazio Cassis spricht den Angehörigen der Opfer und des Verletzten im Namen des Bundesrates sein tief empfundenes Mitgefühl aus.

Switzerland and South Africa discuss their relations

10.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, had talks on Thursday in Durban with Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Zweli Lawrence Mkhize and Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan. The main topics of discussion included bilateral relations and economic cooperation with Switzerland, challenges for South Africa including the 2019 elections, the economic reform programme, decentralisation, migration issues, global geopolitics and multilateralism.

The fight against AIDS takes centre stage during Ignazio Cassis's visit to Zimbabwe

09.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid a brief visit to Zimbabwe on Wednesday where he visited the Newlands Clinic in the suburbs of Harare. The clinic is run by the Ruedi Lüthy Foundation, which receives support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Mr Cassis, who is the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), was accompanied on his visit to the clinic by Zimbabwe's health minister, Obadiah Moyo, and the clinic's founder, Ruedi Lüthy.

Switzerland and Zambia sign aviation agreement following first visit by a Swiss minister to Lusaka

08.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
Federal councillor Ignazio Cassis signed an air services agreement on Tuesday in Lusaka with Acting Minister of Transport and Communications Kafwaya Mutotwe. This agreement strengthens ties between the two countries and is one of a range of measures with the potential to strengthen economic relations. During this first visit by a federal councillor to Zambia, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) also met with President Edgar Lungu.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit three southern African countries in first visit to the continent

04.01.2019 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will visit Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa next week during his first trip to Africa. The main goals of the trip are to strengthen economic and political relations with these three southern African countries, including by signing an agreement on air transport with Zambia, and to visit projects supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), particularly in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

Sebastian Hueber appointed new head of FDFA Information

21.12.2018 — Press releases EDA
Sebastian Hueber has been appointed as the new head of FDFA Information by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. Currently head of communication at the Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate, Mr Hueber will take up his new post at the FDFA in April 2019 at the latest.

Brexit: Switzerland and the UK guarantee citizens’ existing rights

20.12.2018 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 19 December, the Federal Council approved an agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) on the rights of citizens following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU (Brexit). The agreement safeguards the rights of Swiss and UK nationals acquired under the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (e.g. residence rights). This measure is part of the Swiss government’s ‘Mind the Gap’ strategy, the purpose of which is to ensure the acquired rights and obligations of citizens after Brexit.

Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud cleared by Federal Criminal Court decision

20.12.2018 — Press releases EDA
Jacques Pitteloud, former Swiss ambassador to Kenya, has been exonerated by the Appeals Chamber of the Federal Criminal Court. On 19 December 2018, the court dismissed an appeal against the Special Attorney General's discontinuance of proceedings. This decision is now final. The FDFA, which has always defended Mr Pitteloud, takes note of the court's decision with satisfaction.

#SwissTech: Switzerland positions itself as a centre for technology and innovation at the world's largest tech expo in Las Vegas

20.12.2018 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will be making its first-ever appearance at the world's largest expo for home electronics, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from 8 to 11 January 2019. Presence Switzerland is using this opportunity in collaboration with Switzerland Global Enterprise to create a pavilion that showcases the country as a leading centre of technology and innovation.

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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