All news (3199)
Earthquake hits Turkish–Syrian border region: Swiss Rescue helps search for survivors
06.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
On 6 February 2023, a number of earthquakes occurred along the Turkish–Syrian border. Swiss Humanitarian Aid has sent around 80 Swiss Rescue experts and eight search dogs to the Gaziantep area in southern Turkey. The rescue team also includes disaster response specialists from the Swiss Armed Forces. The rescue effort is in response to an appeal for help from the Turkish authorities. The Swiss authorities are in the process of clarifying what assistance is needed by people in Syria affected by the earthquakes.
Swiss pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka embodies lightness and sustainability
02.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
The next world exhibition will be held in 2025 in Osaka, Japan. As a major international event with significant media coverage, Switzerland will use Expo 2025 as a platform to further deepen relations with Japan as one of the most important trading partners in Asia and to showcase Swiss innovative strengths and sustainability – with the lightest pavilion at the event.
Switzerland calls for better environmental protection in armed conflicts
02.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
From 24 January to 2 February, Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hosted an online meeting of governmental experts, with the aim of improving protection of the environment in armed conflicts through better implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL). States can now draw inspiration from the good practices shared at the meeting.
Presidential visit to Botswana and Mozambique
02.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
President Alain Berset will travel to Botswana and Mozambique next week. While in Botswana the aim will be to raise contacts to a new level and in Mozambique President Berset will foster Switzerland’s longstanding relations with the country–. In both countries, the regional situation and global issues will be discussed in addition to bilateral topics – also with a view to Switzerland's work in the UN Security Council.
Return of war to Europe – the focus of 2022 Foreign Policy Report
01.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2022 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 1 February 2023. The document includes a special focus on the war in Ukraine. It also discusses progress in relations with the EU, Switzerland's commitment to more effective multilateralism, and its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2023–24.
Switzerland renews support to UNHCR
01.02.2023
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Press release
EDA
In response to the unprecedented flow of people forced to abandon their homes due to armed conflict, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 1st February 2023 to allocate CHF 68 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the years 2023–24. The UNHCR provides dignified hosting conditions and medical assistance to those forced to flee as well as access to education for their children. It is a key partner in the implementation of Switzerland's foreign policy.
Use of chemical weapons in Syria – Switzerland's position
27.01.2023
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland takes note of the third report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was mandated to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Douma on 7 April 2018. Switzerland strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons and calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using them and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Those responsible for crimes under international law in Syria must be held accountable.
From Lugano to London: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis hands over lead for Ukraine Recovery Conference to UK
18.01.2023
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Press release
EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) held in Lugano last July will be resumed in London in 2023. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, in the presence of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's State Secretary, Oleksandr Bankov, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has officially handed over responsibility for preparing the next URC to UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Grant Shapps. The head of the FDFA recalled the Lugano Principles and described them as a compass pointing the way to Ukraine's recovery even in dark times.
Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2023
13.01.2023
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Press release
EDA
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is once again taking place at its traditional date in January after recent editions were cancelled due to the pandemic in 2021 and postponed to the spring last year. President Alain Berset will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab, on Tuesday, 17 January.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
13.01.2023
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Washington, D.C. on 13 January and met with his US counterpart Antony Blinken. The meeting centred on cooperation within the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of the UN Charter in the Security Council
12.01.2023
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a UN Security Council ministerial debate on the rule of law in New York on 12 January. The head of the FDFA recalled that respect for the principles of the UN Charter is pivotal to peace and security in the world. Tomorrow, Mr Cassis will travel on to Washington, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participates in rule of law debate at the UN Security Council in New York
11.01.2023
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 11 January 2023, the Federal Council was briefed on Switzerland's initial work within the UN Security Council and key upcoming issues. Tomorrow, Thursday 12 January, head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York to participate in a UN Security Council debate at the invitation of Japan, the current president. This ministerial-level debate will focus on promoting the rule of law among nations.
