Press releases

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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.

Media (3525)

Private security companies: the International Code of Conduct takes an operational dimension

19.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
Representatives of some 135 private security companies, governments and human rights defence organisations are meeting in Geneva today to take part in the launch conference of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers Association (ICoCA). Launched jointly by Switzerland and industry associations in November 2010, this initiative aims to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law by such companies.

Twenty-four Myanmar nationals studying in Switzerland

16.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
Twenty-four Myanmar nationals who are currently in Switzerland taking a course on international relations, democracy, and human security met the president of the Council of States, Filippo Lombardi, on 16 September in Bern. They also met the state secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Yves Rossier. Relations between Switzerland and Myanmar and Switzerland's contributions to Myanmar were among the topics they discussed.

Chemical weapons in Syria: Switzerland

16.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland takes note of the UN report that was drawn up with the Spiez laboratory, which established that chemical weapons were used near Damascus on 21 August. The international plan to destroy chemical weapons must now be urgently formalised and implemented. Switzerland is ready to contribute to the implementation of this plan. It will continue to be actively involved and take concrete action towards ending the Syrian conflict and ensuring respect for international law.

Switzerland increases support for the Federal Government of Somalia at ministerial Somalia conference in Brussels

16.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 16 September, Switzerland is taking part in the international conference on Somalia in Brussels, with a delegation headed by Martin Dahinden, director-general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The outcome of the conference is to be a "compact" with Somalia to rebuild the country. Within the framework of its 2013-2016 Horn of Africa strategy, Switzerland is active in the region in a number of areas: diplomacy, humanitarian aid, development cooperation, the promotion of peace and security, and migration.

Official working visit of Georgian foreign minister to Switzerland

13.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 13 September 2013, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, received Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze for an official working visit. A visa facilitation agreement was signed in Neuchâtel during the visit. Other topics of discussion included the Swiss chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014, Switzerland's efforts to promote peace in the South Caucasus, and economic cooperation between the two states.

Switzerland consolidates its commitment in Jordan

13.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
During its meeting on Friday 13 September, the Federal Council adopted an agreement with Jordan on humanitarian aid as well as technical and financial cooperation. Jordan has been severely impacted by the crisis in Syria and is currently hosting more than 500,000 of the 2 million refugees from the conflict. Thanks to this agreement, there is now a formal legal basis for Swiss (particularly humanitarian) assistance, which will facilitate cooperation in assisting the most vulnerable populations in the region.

State-secretary Yves Rossier in the Near East for political talks

11.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
The state-secretary of the FDFA, Yves Rossier, is currently on an official visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory from 8 to 12 September 2013. He will meet his Israeli counterpart, Rafael Barak, and the Palestinian deputy-foreign minister, Tayser Farahat, primarily to discuss the current peace talks. Switzerland has been a longstanding advocate of a two-state solution to the conflict in the Near East.

Official working visit of Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino

11.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 11 September 2013, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, received the Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino for official talks at the Lohn estate in Kehrsatz. The meeting focused on bilateral and European topics such as economic and fiscal issues, cooperation leading up to Expo 2015 in Milan and Switzerland's European policy. International and multilateral issues – particularly the situation in Syria and Switzerland's chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014 – were also discussed.

The FDFA welcomes the latest international developments in the Syrian crisis

10.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes and supports the idea to place chemical weapons under international control as a means to implementing international humanitarian law and re-establishing the dialogue in order to find a just and negotiated solution to the conflict in Syria. The positive reactions to the recent Russian proposal, in particular from the United States, are encouraging. Switzerland reiterates its call to all parties to accept their responsibility to work towards a political solution and to protect the civilian population in conformity with the provisions of international humanitarian law.

Close cooperation on human rights policy

09.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
Navi Pillay, the high commissioner for human rights, and Alexandre Fasel, head of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in Geneva will today open the reception marking the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter on official working visit to Morocco

05.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will make an official working visit to Morocco on Friday 6 September 2013. It is the first official visit of a head of Swiss diplomacy to the country. Mr Burkhalter will meet with the Moroccan minister for foreign affairs and cooperation, Saad-Eddine El Othmani. He will also talk with the Moroccan head of government, Abdelilah Benkirane, and interior minister, Mohand Laenser.

Switzerland increases funding to UNAIDS

04.09.2013 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council decided today to allocate CHF 30 million to UNAIDS over the next three years (2013-2015), putting Switzerland among the eight largest donors to the UN organisation. UNAIDS works for global action against HIV/AIDS. Its mission is to strengthen and coordinate prevention and healthcare measures targeting people affected by the virus and to reduce the socio-economic impact of the epidemic.

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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