Press releases

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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.

Swiss diplomats meet in Bern to discuss foreign policy challenges

18.08.2025 — Press releases EDA
The Ambassadors and International Network Conference will take place from 18 to 22 August 2025 in Bern. This unique platform enables diplomats to exchange views on the geopolitical context and to engage with one another directly on Swiss domestic policy. The vice-president of Italy's Council of Ministers and minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Antonio Tajani, has been invited by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend the event.

Media (3524)

Federal Council approves the 2014 Foreign Policy Report

14.01.2015 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2014 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 14 January 2015. The report provides an overview of Swiss foreign policy and gives an account of Switzerland's most important foreign policy activities in 2014. It contains a chapter focusing on Switzerland's OSCE chairmanship in 2014.

Federal Council adopts Switzerland's negotiating mandate on the Post-2015 Development Agenda

14.01.2015 — Press releases EDA
Since 2012, the United Nations and its member states have been working on a new universal agenda for global sustainable development to replace the Millennium Development Goals, which expire at the end of 2015. On 14 January 2015, the Federal Council gave the mandate to the Swiss delegation to take part in the intergovernmental negotiations. The UN member states will negotiate the new goals, their implementation and financing until July 2015 in New York, culminating in the adoption of the new agenda for sustainable development by heads of state and government at a summit meeting on 25–27 September 2015.

Federal Council condemns attack in Paris

07.01.2015 — Press releases EDA
On behalf of the people of Switzerland, the Federal Council extends its deep condolences to the families of the victims of the attack on the editorial office of the magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Switzerland to take part in the memorial ceremony for the victims of the 2004 tsunami

19.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
Ten years after the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed more than 225,000 people, rendered millions homeless and caused massive destruction in 13 countries, various events will take place to remember the disaster of 26 December 2004. Switzerland will take part in memorial ceremonies in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India. The 2004 tsunami claimed the lives of 113 Swiss nationals. Switzerland supported the emergency aid and reconstruction efforts within the framework of the Swiss Confederation's Humanitarian Aid.

Switzerland applauds the rapprochement between Cuba and the United States

18.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is very pleased about the announced measures to normalise relations between Cuba and the United States. It welcomes this historic step and congratulates the American President, Barack Obama, and the Cuban President, Raúl Castro, on this path-breaking decision.

Federal Council opens consultation on the continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe

17.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has opened the consultation on the continuation of the Federal Act on Cooperation with the States of Eastern Europe (Eastern Europe Cooperation Act). The current act is still valid until the end of May 2017. A timely prolongation should enable the seamless continuation of cooperation with the countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The consultation will last until 31 March 2015.

Jacques Pitteloud appointed new Director-General of the Directorate for Resources

17.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has appointed Jacques Pitteloud, currently head of mission in Nairobi, as director general of the Directorate for Resources within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern. The Directorate for Resources (DR) is responsible for securing and managing resources within the FDFA.

Switzerland hosts Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention

17.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
Representatives of 126 High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention met in Geneva today to adopt by consensus a ten-point Declaration recalling applicable international humanitarian law (IHL) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East-Jerusalem. The conference was hosted by Switzerland in its capacity as Depositary of the Geneva Conventions.

Switzerland condemns today’s attack in Peshawar

16.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
Federal Council President Burkhalter is outraged by the attack at a school in Pakistan.

Private military and security companies: Montreux Document participants Forum to continue working on implementation

16.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
The Montreux Document reaffirms the existing obligations of states under international law relating to private military and security companies (PMSCs) operating in armed conflict, and lists good practices designed to help states take national measures to implement these obligations. Six years after its adoption, Montreux Document participants have now established the “Montreux Document Forum” to continue working on the implementation of the Montreux Document and to share good practices and discuss challenges regarding the regulation of PMSCs. The Montreux Document is now supported by 51 states and three international organisations: the EU, the OSCE and NATO.

Direct democracy and foreign policy shape Switzerland's image in 2014

15.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
Like the 9 February referendum on the mass immigration initiative, Switzerland's many popular votes in 2014 have consistently captured the attention of foreign media. There has also been extensive coverage of the international conferences that have been hosted in Geneva, as well as of Switzerland's Chairmanship of the OSCE. This coverage has given Switzerland's good offices and peacebuilding efforts a much higher profile. The Swiss financial sector continues to be subject to criticism, although there have been signs of improvement this year. In the sporting arena, Switzerland's image has benefited from the national football team's strong performance in Brazil, and the Swiss victory in the Davis Cup. Finally, Switzerland continues to enjoy considerable popularity, as demonstrated by its excellent rankings in international image indices.

Freihandelsabkommen Schweiz – EU: Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses in Bern

10.12.2014 — Press releases EDA
Heute fand in Bern unter dem Vorsitz der Schweiz die 60. Sitzung des Gemischten Ausschusses des Freihandelsabkommens zwischen der Schweiz und der EU von 1972 statt. Der Ausschuss stellte fest, dass das Abkommen insgesamt gut funktioniert und auch dieses Jahr ein wichtiges Instrument zur Erleichterung des Handels zwischen der Schweiz und der EU bildete.

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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