Press releases

All news (3675)

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)

The Swiss President met the European Parliament

11.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
The visit to Brussels on Tuesday, 11 October 2011 gave Mrs Calmy-Rey an opportunity to explain the Swiss position on bilateral relations to members of the European Parliament and to comment on Swiss foreign policy as well as the relations between Switzerland and the EU. In addition she inaugurates the first Soirée suisse in Brussels.

The President of the Confederation to receive the UN Secretary-General in Bern for a working visit

10.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
On 17 October 2011, the President of the Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, together with a delegation of the Federal Council, will receive the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, in Bern for an official working visit. The programme will cover a number of UN-related themes of mutual interest. Prior to this, on 16 October, Ban Ki-moon will attend the inaugural ceremony of the 125th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU.

Combating desertification: Switzerland taking part in a UN conference in South Korea

10.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
Active since 1996 as a member state of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Switzerland is represented at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD, scheduled to run from 10 to 21 October 2011 in South Korea. To combat the ever more alarming problems arising from climate change and food insecurity around the world, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) recently decided to intensify its efforts to give the theme of combating desertification a more prominent place on the political agenda.

The International Commission against the Death Penalty moves its headquarters to Geneva

10.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey today took part in the opening of the fourth meeting of the International Commission against the Death Penalty in Geneva. She welcomed the decision by the Commission to move its headquarters from Madrid to Geneva, where it will be integrated into the Academy of International Humanitarian Law and of Human Rights

OSCE Election Experts in Switzerland

07.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will be present in Switzerland to observe the preparation and conduct of the Federal elections slated for 23 October 2011. The OSCE experts intend to direct their attention particularly at the electronic voting option and at the financing of the election campaigns.

SDC set to bring its final jubilee street action to Basel

07.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
Following on from appearances in Geneva, Bern and Bellinzona, the Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Development (SDC) is set to bring its jubilee street action to the Barfüsserplatz in the city of Basel on 14 and 15 October 2011. These open-air events are an opportunity for the public to find out more about the wide-ranging activities of the SDC over its 50-year history (1961-2011). Manuel Bessler, the humanitarian aid delegate of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) will attend the opening ceremony.

The President of the Swiss Confederation to travel to Brussels

07.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, 11 October 2011, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Micheline Calmy-Rey, will meet representatives of the European Parliament for talks in Brussels. In the evening, she will open the first “Soirée suisse” at the Swiss Mission to the European Union in Brussels.

World Mountain Conference in Lucerne

05.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
Around 150 international experts will attend the Lucerne World Mountain Conference on 11 and 12 October 2011. They will discuss the results achieved so far and the opportunities and challenges in the global development of mountain areas. The results of the conference will contribute to international initiatives.

State Visit by the President of the Republic of India

03.10.2011 — Press releases EDA
On 3 October 2011, the Federal Council received Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of the Republic of India, and her husband, on the occasion of a State Visit to Switzerland. Following the ceremonial welcome by a guard of honour on the Federal Square and official speeches in Parliament, the Swiss delegation, led by Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey, and the Indian delegation held bilateral talks. The second day of this State Visit will feature a visit to the canton of Vaud.

Principles against Impunity: the Human Rights Council adopts a Resolution presented by Switzerland instituting a Special Rapporteur (last modification, the 19.09.2012)

29.09.2011 — Press releases EDA
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted by consensus a resolution presented by Switzerland, Argentina, and Morocco instituting a Special Rapporteur for the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-reccurence. The resolution, presented on 29 September 2011, was sponsored by nearly 80 States representing all regional groups.

New Swiss Ambassador to Libya

29.09.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council has appointed Michel Gottret, currently Ambassador to Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Switzerland to Libya. Ambassador Gottret will take up his new post in Tripoli as soon as possible.

SimEX 2011: Deployment of international Search and Rescue teams in response to a simulated disaster

27.09.2011 — Press releases EDA
From 3 - 10 October 2011, Switzerland will be conducting a simulated search and rescue exercise (SimEX) in Kriens, canton Lucerne. This is in conformity with the guidelines of the UN INSARAG (United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group), which require that international rescue teams receive regular training to ensure they are equipped and trained to meet the exceptional demands that arise during deployment to deal with earthquakes and other major disasters.

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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