Press releases

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to pay state visit to Switzerland

23.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay a two-day state visit to Switzerland next week at the invitation of the Federal Council, led by President Karin Keller-Sutter. The visit aims to underscore and further deepen the close and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. South Africa is strategically important for Switzerland and ranks among its most important partners on the African continent.

La situation à Gaza au cœur des discussions entre les ministres des affaires étrangère Ignazio Cassis et Ayman Safadi à Amman

23.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis s’est rendu à Amman le 22 octobre pour une visite officielle en Jordanie. Il y a rencontré son homologue, le ministre des Affaires étrangères Ayman Safadi, pour un échange approfondi sur les évolutions politiques régionales, la situation humanitaire à Gaza et la coopération bilatérale entre la Suisse et le Royaume hachémite. Le confit au Proche-Orient et le plan de paix en 20 points des Etats-Unis ont été au cœur des échanges.

Federal Council initiates consultation on Amending Protocol to Agreement between Switzerland and EU on automatic exchange of information in tax matters

22.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
During its meeting on 22 October 2025, the Federal Council launched the consultation on the Amending Protocol to the Agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance. The Agreement will be aligned with the amended OECD standard and also contains new provisions on administrative assistance for the recovery of VAT claims.

House of Switzerland 2028 in California – a showcase for Swiss creativity and innovation

22.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting today, the Federal Council decided to capitalise on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles to promote Switzerland and its interests. California is one of the leading regions in the US for innovation, cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship. The House of Switzerland will shine a spotlight on Switzerland's strengths in the creative industries, the tech sector, sport and health.

Ignazio Cassis on official visits to Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait

21.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will be in Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait on official visits from 22 to 25 October 2025. Mr Cassis will be accompanied by the National Council president, Maja Riniker. The visit to the Middle East will serve to deepen bilateral relations, explore possible new avenues for cooperation and discuss current regional developments.

SDG Flag Day in Lugano: first dialogue between some of Switzerland's largest cities

20.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
An event in connection with SDG Flag Day 2025 was held in Lugano on Friday 17 October at the Asilo Ciani with representatives of Bern and Zurich attending alongside the mayors of Biel/Bienne and Lugano. The two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi (FDFA) and Daniel Dubas (DETEC), as well as the director of the Swiss Union of Cities, Monika Litscher, also participated.

Switzerland and EU sign Amending Protocol to the Agreement on automatic exchange of information in tax matters

20.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 20 October 2025 in Brussels, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) signed the Amending Protocol to the Agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance. With the Amending Protocol, the Agreement will be aligned to the amended OECD standard and supplemented with new provisions on administrative assistance for the collection of VAT claims.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Uzbek foreign minister Bakhtiyor Saidov

16.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 16 October 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, received the Uzbek foreign minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, in Bern for an official visit. The talks centred on bilateral relations, regional cooperation in Central Asia, the war in Ukraine and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the OSCE next year.

Swiss–EU package: Federal Council proposals for greater involvement of cantons and Parliament

15.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 October 2025, the Federal Council discussed measures to strengthen the involvement of the cantons and Parliament in Switzerland's foreign policy on the Swiss–EU package. Next steps for concluding an arrangement with the cantons and expanding information mechanisms for the parliamentary committees were also set out. These proposals will be included in the Federal Council dispatch expected to be submitted to Parliament in March 2026.

New Swiss ambassadors

15.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
As part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 and 2026 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

The geopolitics of knowledge: Ignazio Cassis at the 5th GESDA summit on the new frontiers opened up by technological development

14.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
From 15 to 17 October 2025, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) summit will bring together around a thousand researchers, diplomats, ministers, representatives of the private sector and philanthropists to discuss the challenges posed by new technologies and their impact on people's lives. In his speech, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs will highlight the work that science and diplomacy do together in facilitating discussions between states when they need to define rules for the use of new technologies. These types of negotiations often take place in Geneva.

Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber elected ICRC new Vice-President

10.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has chosen Ambassador Jürg Lauber to succeed Gilles Carbonnier as Vice-President of the institution, who will end his second four-year term on 31 March 2026. Currently Switzerland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, Jürg Lauber is also this year the President of the UN Human Rights Council.

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New Swiss ambassadors

17.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
A number of personnel changes have been announced for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern for 2020/2021. These changes are part of the usual transfer rotation and are based on appointments made by the Federal Council. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state.

Ignazio Cassis concludes his African tour in Senegal and The Gambia

13.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Following his visit to Algeria and Mali, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, travelled to Senegal on 11 February 2021 for a two-day visit. In Dakar he met Senegalese President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall. At the centre of discussions were the priorities of Switzerland's new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24 and Swiss engagement in Senegal regarding vocational education and training and digitalisation. Mr Cassis then travelled to The Gambia, where various official meetings and visits were on the programme.

Appointment of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

12.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
On 22 January 2021, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis appointed the 12 members of the Swiss delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (hereafter the Congress) for the period 2021–26. The candidatures were proposed by the Conference of Cantonal Governments, the Swiss Union of Cities and the Association of Swiss Communes. Following formal validation by the Congress Bureau on 12 February 2021, the new delegation can now begin its work in preparation for the renewal session from 23 to 25 March.

Official visit to Mali: Ignazio Cassis calls for transition to lasting peace

11.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Mali on 9 February 2021 for a two-day official visit. In Bamako, he met with President Bah N'Daw and Foreign Minister Zeyni Moulaye. Their discussions focused on the transition period leading to the formation of a new government and on efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Switzerland's commitment to international cooperation in Mali was also a central topic. The topics discussed are priorities of the first Swiss strategy for the region, the Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24, which was recently adopted by the Federal Council. Also on the agenda were visits to several Swiss-supported projects.

Ignazio Cassis in Algeria: political meetings and economic exchange

09.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis began his Africa trip with an official visit to Algeria from 7 to 9 February 2021. He was received by Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad and Foreign Minister Sabri Boukadoum in Algiers. Talks centred on diversifying bilateral relations, regional security, and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his visit, the head of the FDFA also met with members of the new Swiss-Algerian Chamber of Commerce.

Drought in Madagascar: Switzerland to provide 1 million Swiss francs

09.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has announced the allocation one million Swiss francs to support humanitarian activities in Madagascar. It is responding to the country's authorities' appeal for international aid.

Libyan peace process: Switzerland welcomes appointment of new unified transitional authority

05.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Between 1 and 5 February Switzerland hosted the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, culminating in the appointment of a unified executive authority tasked with preparing the national elections set for 24 December 2021. Switzerland hosted the forum as part of its commitment to supporting the UN-backed Libyan peace process and to fulfil the peace and security objectives set out in its Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23.

Ignazio Cassis to visit North and West Africa

04.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will pay an official visit to North and West Africa from 7 to 13 February. The trip will take him to Algeria, Mali, Senegal and The Gambia. Talks will focus on the priorities of the new strategies for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and sub-Saharan Africa in 2021–24. Key issues to be covered include the promotion of dialogue, economic development, and cooperation in relation to digitalisation. The public health crisis surrounding Covid-19 will also be discussed.

Private security services abroad: no further need for action

03.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has decided not to amend the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA) at this time. At its meeting of 3 February 2021, it concluded that the amended ordinance to the PSSA of last November would meet the requirements for ensuring consistency with export control legislation. The legal basis will be reviewed again in three years.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on UN Global Compact for Migration

03.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 3 February 2021, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the UN Global Compact for Migration ('Global Compact'). The dispatch reiterates the view, adopted by the Federal Council in autumn 2018, that Parliament's assent to the Global Compact is in Switzerland's interests. The objectives set out in the Global Compact are consistent with the priorities set out in Switzerland's migration policy. Assenting to the Global Compact would not require any action on domestic policy or create any new financial commitments or responsibilities. The dispatch provides the basis for Parliament to scrutinise the Global Compact, which was adopted by UN member states in 2018.

Swiss foreign policy under the COVID-19 pandemic

03.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 3 February 2021, the Federal Council approved the 2020 Foreign Policy Report. The report provides an overview of the priorities of Swiss foreign policy in the past year, most of which was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other priorities were European policy and the implementation of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23.

FDFA statement on the seizure of power by the military in Myanmar

01.02.2021 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is deeply concerned about the recent incidents in Myanmar. It calls for the release of all those detained and for the immediate resumption of dialogue and the democratic process leading to greater freedom, peace, respect for human rights and development in the country.

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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