Press releases

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Both Swiss returned to the Swiss embassy in Tripoli

09.11.2009 — Press releases EDA

International Conference on “60 Years of the Geneva Conventions and the decades to come”

09.11.2009 — Press releases EDA
A conference of experts organised by Switzerland in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) entitled “60 Years of the Geneva Conventions and the decades to come” began today at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG). Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger and the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan attended the opening ceremony.

3. Global Forum on Migration and Development - Ambassador Gnesa heads Swiss delegation

04.11.2009 — Press releases EDA
The third Global Forum on Migration and Development is due to take place in Athens 4-5 November, with 150 States in attendance. They will discuss the possibility of strengthening cooperation in these two areas. The Swiss delegation will be headed by the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary for International Migration Cooperation, Eduard Gnesa.

International Conference on “60 Years of the Geneva Conventions and the decades to come”

02.11.2009 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland sees the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions as an opportunity for strengthening humanitarian law, ensuring greater respect for its principles and better protection for the victims of armed conflicts. With this in mind Switzerland, in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has organised a conference of government and international experts entitled “60 Years of Geneva Conventions and the decades to come”. It will be held at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) on 9-10 November 2009.

Official Working Visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru

30.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received today Mr. José Antonio Garcia Belaúnde, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru, for an official working visit.

Switzerland condemns the attack on U.N. staff members in Kabul

28.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA condemns in the strongest of terms the attacks perpetrated this morning on U.N. employees.

Visit by Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary-General of the Council of Europe

28.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
The new Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, arrived in Switzerland today, Wednesday 28.10.09, for his first official visit. His talks with Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey focused on Switzerland’s imminent accession to the chair of the Committee of Ministers, the Council’s decision-making body. Other important topics of discussion included ways and means for cooperation, Switzerland’s priorities as chair, reform of the Council and current political issues.

Switzerland elected to UNESCO World Heritage Committee

27.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
Yesterday evening in Paris, Switzerland was elected to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee by a clear majority, at the biennial General Assembly of the 186 signatory states of the World Heritage Convention. 12 of the 21 seats on the committee had to be filled and there were 29 candidates from among the signatory states.

FDFA condemns bomb attacks in Baghdad

26.10.2009 — Press releases EDA

FDFA target of virus attack

26.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs has been the target of a professional virus attack. Analyses are currently in progress in order to determine whether the IT system has been damaged. The FDFA has isolated its IT network from the Internet.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey received the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs

22.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, today received the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos for a working visit and luncheon. Spain will assume the EU Presidency on 1 January 2010 and, in this capacity, will be a particularly crucial discussion partner for Switzerland.

Official visit to Berne by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

19.10.2009 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, Federal President Hans-Rudolf Merz met the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, during his official visit to Berne. The topics discussed by the statesmen included the development of cultural and economic relationships between Switzerland and Azerbaijan, cooperation with multilateral financial institutions, and the strengthening of cooperation in the energy field. This morning, President Aliyev was received by Alain Berset, President of the Council of States.

Media (3292)

Ignazio Cassis meets Brazilian foreign minister

30.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has received the Brazilian foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, in Solothurn. Political and economic relations and collaboration in the fields of sustainability, science and multilateral forums were at the heart of the discussions. The Brazilian minister's Swiss origins were also discussed.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at World Economic Forum special meeting in Riyadh

27.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Sunday 28 April, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Saudi Arabia for a World Economic Forum special meeting. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis was invited by his Saudi counterpart to attend the two-day event which aims to bridge the growing North-South divide by promoting global collaboration.

Independent UN institution in Geneva to investigate the fate of missing persons in Syria

25.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 24 April 2024, the UN General Assembly approved funding for an independent institution to investigate cases of missing persons in Syria, to be based in Geneva. As part of its peace policy, Switzerland is firmly committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons. In doing so, it is making a significant contribution to dealing with the past, which is central to peace processes – including in Syria. Switzerland therefore welcomes the international community's decision for the institution to begin its work in International Geneva in 2024.

The SDC and the SNSF continue their collaboration

25.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The r4d programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) came to a close today at a public event in Bern. The two institutions also took the opportunity to launch a new programme called Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D). The two programmes involve the implementation of projects in the fields of health, food security, social conflicts, ecosystems, employment and income in developing countries.

Federal Council consults foreign affairs committees on aid payments to Middle East

24.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 24 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to proceed with the planned use of CHF 56 million of humanitarian funding earmarked for the Middle East. The FDFA has been instructed to consult with the foreign affairs committees on this matter. A decision on the disbursement of the Swiss contribution to UNRWA will be made at a later date.

Ignazio Cassis receives Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern

23.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.

Switzerland strengthens humanitarian demining capacities in Ukraine

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 17–18 April, representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations gathered at an international workshop in Kyiv to discuss measures for identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Good coordination of national activities and international support is crucial to ensure that this work can progress swiftly and effectively. The workshop was co-organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Switzerland, whose delegation at the conference was led by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, has a long history of supporting humanitarian demining through the GICHD and other organisations. Clearing the country of mines is a key prerequisite for Ukraine's recovery.

Palestine's application for full membership of the United Nations

18.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel leads third strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and US

17.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received a US delegation for political consultations in Bern on 17 April. The delegation was led by Assistant Secretary James O'Brien, who is in charge of European and Eurasian affairs at the US Department of State. On the agenda were the many ongoing or recently concluded bilateral negotiations, particularly in the area of taxation, which are concrete examples of the dynamism of bilateral relations.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

IC Forum 2024: 1000 people come together in Basel to discuss the theme of peace

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) concluded today in Basel. Over 1,000 representatives from politics, business, science, and civil society gathered alongside President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, FDFA head Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to discuss the theme of peace promotion. Discussions centred on three core values: critical dialogue, trust, and innovation, all aimed at finding new pathways for tangible and sustainable progress. A highlight of the 2024 forum was the Swiss IC Awards, recognising innovative peace-building projects by Swiss companies.

Other news (300)

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

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

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.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

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.

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