13.12.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 10 December 2010, the Federal Council approved the 2010 Foreign Policy Report. The report gives a complete overview of Switzerland’s foreign policy. In particular it shows how Switzerland can exercise an influence in today’s interconnected international environment and the instruments available to it for this purpose. In addition, this comprehensive document renders account of Switzerland’s most important foreign policy activities from mid-2009 to mid-2010.
10.12.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council today decided to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. By acceding to the Convention, Switzerland is making its contribution to the fight against a serious violation of human rights.
07.12.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland’s development cooperation in the agricultural sector is bearing fruit. The nearly CHF 1.2 billion deployed between 2003 and 2008 have helped to increase the production and the productivity of family-run agricultural enterprises, improve framework conditions for trade, and optimise the value chain between producers and consumers. Each year, Swiss humanitarian aid also helps several million people in critical situations. These are some of the conclusions of the joint report of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) on the effectiveness of Swiss development cooperation in the agricultural sector.
07.12.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
With international assistance, the widespread fires that claimed 42 lives in northern Israel have been put out. The three Swiss helicopters that were deployed are standing by in case they are needed again. Overall, however, the international aid operation has been concluded. In a ceremony of thanks, the Israeli government recognized the achievements of helpers from 15 countries.
06.12.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today received Jakob Kellenberger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The topics of discussion included current challenges to international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians affected by armed conflict and the preparation of the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent to be held in November 2011.
03.12.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland will send three Air Force Cougar helicopters to Israel to help fight the devastating forest fires in the north of the country. In the last few hours, 41 people have died in the worst outbreak of bush and forest fires in the country’s history; more than 17,000 more have had to be evacuated from their homes.
25.11.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The Heads of State and Government of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) member States will hold a Summit meeting on 1 and 2 December 2010 in Astana. Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will represent Switzerland at this Summit meeting in the capital of Kazakhstan.
25.11.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council is hosting the President of the Republic of Turkey, Abdullah Gül, who is paying a two-day state visit to Switzerland on 25 and 26 November. He is accompanied by his wife, Hayrünnisa Gül. President Gül arrived at Zurich airport this morning where he was received with military honours. Official discussions between the delegations of the two states later took place in Bern. On Friday, Turkish and Swiss business representatives will exchange views at a forum on renewable energies.
24.11.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Today, Expo 2015 Milan has been officially registered at the Annual General Meeting of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris. The Federal Council has already announced Switzerland’s participation in the World Expo in Italy. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will be responsible for the organisation of the Swiss pavilion at the expo.
22.11.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
This year’s World Health Report focuses on health system financing and addresses the issue of how universal and equitable access to health services can be achieved. It will be launched by the WHO Director General Margaret Chan on 22 November 2010 in Berlin, just before the opening of an international ministerial conference dedicated to this subject. Switzerland is taking part in this international conference with a delegation led by Dr Tim Guldimann, Swiss ambassador in Germany.
22.11.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
Today, a doctor and a nurse have been sent to Haiti to assist in the fight against the cholera epidemic. This follows up on the secondment at the end of October of water experts to Haiti to support the state authorities in ensuring the supply of clean drinking water. The doctor and the nurse will be seconded to the Albert Schweizer Hospital in the Department of Artebonite, the most severely affected region of the country.
19.11.2010 —
Press releases
EDA
At the Annual Conference on Swiss Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, and Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the Polish Minister for Regional Development, together with other speakers from Switzerland and abroad conducted a review of the progress made to date on the implementation of EU enlargement contribution projects: implementation is proceeding satisfactorily. Around 350 people attended the annual conference.