Press releases

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The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina on a working visit to Switzerland

14.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina will make a four-day working visit to Switzerland from 14 to 17 May 2013. It will get to know Switzerland's federal model as an inspiration for constitutional reform and the future-oriented political development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Visit to Bern by Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé

13.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 13 May, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Michel Sidibé, in Bern. Among the topics discussed during their meeting was the importance of UNAIDS, Switzerland's commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and the sharing of Swiss experience in the treatment of this disease. During his visit to Bern, Michel Sidibé also met with representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

Solutions for partners of diplomatic staff

13.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
The two-day annual conference of the European Union Foreign Affairs Spouses, Partners and Families Association (EUFASA) began today in Bern. Some 60 delegates discussed concrete solutions to the problems confronted by the partners and families of transferrable diplomatic staff. The main challenges they face when relocating are pressure on family life, finding a job, career interruptions, and gaps in social security coverage.

Switzerland promotes broad-based growth in Burkina Faso and Mozambique

08.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 8 May 2013 the Federal Council decided to grant Burkina Faso and Mozambique general budgetary assistance of CHF 32 million each for the years 2013 to 2016. This will support both countries in implementation of their poverty reduction strategies, which focus on broad-based and sustainable growth.

Official working visit by the Costa Rican Foreign Minister Enrique Castillo to Bern

08.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 8 May 2013, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Costa Rican Foreign Minister, Enrique Castillo, for an official working visit in Bern. The two foreign ministers discussed bilateral matters and current international issues.

Switzerland is participating in the stabilisation of Somalia

07.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Under the leadership of SDC Director-General Martin Dahinden, Switzerland will participate in the international conference on Somalia to be held in London on 7 May 2013. Last year, the Federal Council adopted a Horn of Africa Strategy 2013-2016. As part of this strategy, Switzerland will not only provide humanitarian aid, but also work on development cooperation, the promotion of peace and security, and migration. Switzerland will also support Somalia in the development of federal and decentralised government structures.

Federal Councillors Didier Burkhalter and Simonetta Sommaruga receive the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland

06.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillors Didier Burkhalter and Simonetta Sommaruga today received the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, for an official working visit to Bern. The meeting focused on Switzerland's engagement in the Council of Europe, the Secretary General's efforts to reform this organisation, political challenges, and cooperation between the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Next year, Switzerland will assume the Chairmanship of the OSCE. This evening, Mr Jagland and Mr Burkhalter will be guest speakers at a ceremony at the University of Fribourg to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Switzerland's membership in the Council of Europe.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter receives Global Fund executive director Mark Dybul

06.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
On 6 May 2013, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA received Mark Dybul, the executive director of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) since the beginning of the year, for an official meeting. The talks focused on Switzerland’s support for the Global Fund, which was founded in 2002 with seat in Geneva and is among Switzerland’s most important strategic partners in the worldwide fight against infectious diseases.

Auschwitz-Birkenau: Switzerland is committed to the preservation of the site

03.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is contributing to the preservation of the former extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau with a donation of one million euros to the foundation responsible for the maintenance of the site. This donation is a response to a call for funds totalling EUR 120 million addressed to several dozen States. With this gesture, Switzerland is demonstrating its international solidarity and respect for the victims of Nazism, and contributing to the necessary work of remembrance.

Official working visit of German Foreign Minister Westerwelle to Switzerland

01.05.2013 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on 1 May 2013 for official talks. They discussed bilateral cooperation in light of Switzerland's upcoming OSCE chairmanship. Their talks also focused on bilateral issues and themes relating to European policy.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter travels to Israel and to the Occupied Palestinian Territory

30.04.2013 — Press releases EDA
From 1 to 5 May Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter will be in the Near East for a working visit. During his visit to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ramallah, Mr Burkhalter will meet the Israeli President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu, the Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Switzerland has for a long time advocated a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Fifty young East Europeans visit Switzerland for the 50th anniversary of the Confederation’s adherence to the Council of Europe

29.04.2013 — Press releases EDA
As Switzerland prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its accession to the Council of Europe, the Confederation has invited 50 young people from Eastern Europe to learn about Swiss institutions and culture. From 1 to 7 May 2013 they will visit the People's Assembly (Landsgemeinde) of the canton of Glarus, meet with representatives of the Assemblée interjurassienne in Moutier and have discussions with young Swiss people on the summit of the Stockhorn. Their journey begins with a visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg and ends in Fribourg with the presentation of a statement of their hopes for the Europe of tomorrow to Swiss Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland.

Media (3525)

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.

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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