09.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Today Nepal is opening its 10,000th trail bridge. Switzerland has been providing support to help Nepal construct bridges since the 1960s. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) will bring this successful long-term project to a close at the end of 2023. This means the Nepalese government will now assume full responsibility for funding and constructing bridges.
08.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 8 November 2023, the Federal Council reviewed the outcomes of internal discussions and the exploratory talks with the EU. On this basis, it decided to draw up a negotiating mandate. Before the end of the year, it will decide whether or not to adopt it and submit it to the foreign affairs committees (FACs) and the Conference of Cantonal Governments (CCG) for consultation.
07.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
One year after the agreement to hold regular political talks in future, the head of the FDFA's Africa Division, Ambassador Philipp Stalder, travelled to Nairobi for political consultations. Talks revolved around bilateral issues, economic and trade relations, Switzerland's role in the UN Security Council and climate change. The East African country is a key partner for Switzerland on account of its importance for the political stability of the region and its economic potential.
05.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Today was the final day of the 44th Francophonie Ministerial Conference held by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, which focused on the topic of good governance. At the conference, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation in implementing the IOF's programmes, which seek to promote peace, stability and sustainable development in the French-speaking world.
03.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has met with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey on his recent visit to Ghana. The meeting, which took place on Friday 3 November 2023, focused on economic relations, cooperation on climate action, regional security and stability, and collaboration between the two countries at the UN.
01.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Nella seduta del 1° novembre 2023, il Consiglio federale ha adottato un progetto di mandato negoziale per un accordo con l’Unione europea sullo scambio di informazioni relative ai dati dei passeggeri aerei, i cosiddetti Passenger Name Record (PNR). Tale accordo contribuirà a migliorare lo scambio di informazioni ai fini della cooperazione di polizia, del sostegno alla piazza economica svizzera e della salvaguardia della sicurezza interna dello spazio Schengen.
01.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas since 7 October and calls for the immediate release of all hostages. It recognises Israel's right to ensure its defence and security, and stresses that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties. In view of the extremely alarming humanitarian situation, the Federal Council is proposing to allocate a further CHF 90 million in aid to the region.
31.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will visit West and Central Africa from 3 to 5 November 2023. He will pay a working visit to Ghana where he will meet the Ghanaian president, Mr Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He will then continue to Cameroon, where he will take part in the 44th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé. On this occasion, Mr Cassis will highlight Switzerland's role in global digital governance, particularly in the context of International Geneva.
28.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland underscored its continuing support for the peace process in Ukraine at the national security advisers' meeting in Malta. The conference, which was attended by Swiss ambassador Gabriel Lüchinger, included 90 states from all continents and the EU, and focused on the principles and implementation of the peace plan set out by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
23.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, travelled today to Poschiavo, where he met with all the members of the Graubünden cantonal council and local residents. The visit is part of the regular political dialogue established with the cantons of Ticino and Graubünden since his election to the Federal Council. Mr Cassis also signed a declaration of intent with the two cantonal governments on the Piccolo Erasmus project, facilitating mutual secondments between the cantonal administrations and the FDFA.
19.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The European Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) has served as a joint tool for the Alpine countries and regions to improve cross-border cooperation in the Alps since 2015. During this year's Swiss Presidency (Confederation and cantons), EUSALP has been streamlined in terms of organisation and content to enable it to focus even more closely on its core interests in the future. At today's EUSALP General Assembly in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland handed over the organisation's presidency to Slovenia.
18.10.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 18 October, SECO and the FDFA's State Secretariat organised the second meeting of the Swiss Business and Human Rights Forum in Bern. Over 350 participants, mainly from the business community, discussed current and future issues relating to respect for human rights in economic activities. With this event, the Swiss government seeks to promote multi-stakeholder dialogue and provide Swiss companies with practical tools and concrete approaches to ensure respect for human rights in their operations.