15.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 15 November, the entire Federal Council welcomed the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte Macron, on a state visit. The military honours on the Bundesplatz were followed by official speeches and talks. Switzerland and France reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations and signed two memorandums of understanding. European policy and the current international situation were also key topics of the talks. The second day of the visit will be dedicated to cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and education, and to pan-European challenges.
13.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On Monday, 13 November 2023, State Secretary Alexandre Fasel travelled to London for the annual strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the United Kingdom. He met with Christian Turner, political director, and Peter Wilson, director general for Europe, at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The discussions centred on the intensive and diverse bilateral relations between Switzerland and the UK, current international affairs, and European matters. The primary objective of the discussions was to enhance political, economic and scientific cooperation between the two nations.
10.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
On 10 November 2023, the FDFA's Consular Directorate was awarded the Multilingualism Seal in Bern at a ceremony attended by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The award, conferred by the FORUM for Bilingualism foundation in Biel/Bienne, certifies the FDFA's commitment to multilingualism and the harmonious coexistence of Switzerland's different cultural and linguistic communities. The long-standing commitment of the FDFA and its head to multilingualism has produced positive results.
09.11.2023
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council has invited President Emmanuel Macron of France and his wife, Brigitte Macron, on a state visit to Switzerland with a view to enhancing/ the long-standing diplomatic relations with France and advancing important bilateral topics. The state guest will be received on Wednesday, 15 November by the entire Federal Council with military honours on the Bundesplatz. This will be followed by official speeches in the lobby of the Federal Palace and political discussions in the Bernerhof. The second day of the visit will be devoted to cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and education, and pan-European challenges.
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.