Press releases

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Strategy for communication abroad: trust, innovation and Europe/G20 as priorities for 2025–28

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 6 December 2024, the Federal Council approved the Strategy for Communication Abroad 2025–28. The strategy outlines the thematic and geographical priorities for the coming years, with a focus on trust, innovation, and Europe and the G20 states. The objective is to strengthen Switzerland's image abroad, thereby helping the country safeguard its interests in the most effective way possible.

UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023–24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.

Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

29.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
During his two-day visit to Rome, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy, together with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The two officials praised this platform, which was designed to further enhance bilateral relations. In Rome, the head of the FDFA also participated in the international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Various other bilateral meetings with UN agencies were also on the agenda.

Dispatch on the Neutrality Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counterproposal

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 27 November 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative 'Safeguarding Swiss neutrality' (Neutrality Initiative). It recommends that the Federal Assembly reject the initiative without a counterproposal. The Federal Council is of the opinion that enshrining a rigid understanding of neutrality in the Federal Constitution is not in Switzerland's interests and would restrict its room for manoeuvre in foreign policy terms.

Ignazio Cassis holds meeting with Maroš Šefčovič on 27 November 2024 in Bern

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's vice-president for interinstitutional relations and foresight. The exchange, which was held on 27 November in Bern, allowed the two politicians to take stock of the Swiss-EU negotiations and discuss the next steps, with the shared objective of concluding negotiations ideally by the end of the year.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy in Rome

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will travel to Rome on 28 and 29 November to open the Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy together with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. On the margins of the forum, Mr Cassis will participate in an international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant'Egidio.

Presentation of credentials

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel receives South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs Alvin Botes for political consultations

25.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, met today in Bern with South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs responsible for cooperation and international relations, Alvin Botes, for high-level political consultations. The discussions covered foreign policy issues and cooperation between Switzerland and South Africa in the areas of the economy, human rights, research and innovation.

Ignazio Cassis receives Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár in Bern

19.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, received Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár in Bern on 19 November. Bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and the geopolitical situation, in particular the war in Ukraine, were key topics of discussion. Both delegations stressed the need for sound cooperation within multilateral bodies to promote peace and security in Europe.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel travels to London for strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK

19.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, the state secretary of the FDFA, Alexandre Fasel, travelled to London for the annual round of talks as part of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK. This year's discussions centred on bilateral issues, including the ongoing revision of the bilateral free trade agreement, and the current geopolitical context with its associated challenges.

Briefing on maintaining peace and security in Ukraine (FR)

18.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA – Check against delivery

Climate crisis in developing countries: Switzerland supports disadvantaged population groups

15.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Floods and droughts are on the increase worldwide. They impact the poorest population groups in developing countries particularly hard. To bolster their resilience and assist them in adapting to climate change, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Ignazio Cassis, decided to contribute CHF 15 million to the Paris Agreement's Adaptation Fund (AF).

Media (3392)

Meetings of Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey at the World Economic Forum in Davos

31.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
During three days in Davos the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey had several bilateral meetings with other Foreign Ministers as well as with Heads of State and Government. Mrs. Calmy-Rey also met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, announced the launch of the “Global Governance Project” and addressed the Open Forum Davos on the subject of religion and human rights.

Official working visit to Bern by Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao

29.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
President Hans-Rudolf Merz today received the Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao on an official working visit. President Merz was joined in the discussions by Vice-President Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. A new bilateral investment protection agreement was signed during the meeting. Both parties also agreed on the preparation of a joint feasibility study on a future free trade agreement.

Switzerland provides emergency aid to Gaza

24.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
Yesterday, for the first time since the outbreak of the armed conflict on 27 December 2008, a team from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA succeeded in gaining access to Gaza. Overall, three teams have been deployed at present with the mission of initiating the delivery of Swiss emergency aid to Gaza.

Official working visit to Bern by Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao

22.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 27 January, President Hans-Rudolf Merz will head a delegation to receive the Chinese Prime Minister, WEN Jiabao, on an official working visit to Bern. He will be accompanied by Vice-President Doris Leuthard, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Conflict in the Gaza Strip

15.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA condemns in the strongest terms the shelling by the Israeli army of the UNRWA headquarters and the Al-Quds Hospital, which is run by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the Gaza Strip. A warehouse containing relief supplies of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and a media centre were also hit during Thursday’s military operations.

Middle East Conflict: FDFA calls for impartial inquiry regarding the respect for International Humanitarian Law

09.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) strongly deplores the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza. The FDFA welcomes the resolution adopted by the Security Council calling for an immediate end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and appeals to all parties to respect this. The FDFA calls for an impartial inquiry into the way International Humanitarian Law is being respected. To help cope with the humanitarian emergency the FDFA has decided to allocate an additional SFr 3 million in funding for humanitarian aid organisations. Furthermore the Department is preparing to send an emergency humanitarian relief mission to Gaza.

Il Consigliere federale Moritz Leuenberger firma a Parigi la dichiarazione d'intenti per agevolare la collaborazione tra le autorità di vigilanza sulle ferrovie

08.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
Lunedì prossimo a Parigi il Consigliere federale Moritz Leuenberger e il Segre-tario di Stato francese Dominique Bussereau firmeranno una dichiarazione d'intenti in merito alla collaborazione tra i due organismi nazionali preposti alla sicurezza nel settore ferroviario. L'obiettivo è di ridurre gli ostacoli nel traffico ferroviario tra i due Paesi.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to make a working visit to Georgia

08.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
On 12 January 2009, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will travel to Georgia for an official working visit.

Near East conflict: Switzerland intensifies its aid (last modification, the 05.01.2009)

05.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA calls for an immediate end to the acts of violence which are intensifying the suffering of the civil population. The Humanitarian Aid of the Confederation is ready to reinforce its support to partner organisations operating in the Gaza Strip, notably UNRWA and the ICRC.

Middle East Conflict: Switzerland reiterates call for immediate cease-fire

04.01.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs deplores the escalation of violence in Gaza. It has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In order to relieve the suffering of the civilian population and to guarantee humanitarian access, it has requested a durable reopening of crossings into Gaza.

Project `Safir' taking effect: Aviation safety management has improved

22.01.2007 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has made significant progress in the field of aviation safety management. That is the finding of the Dutch aviation research institute NLR in a study published today. At the end of 2006, the NLR was commissioned by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger to examine whether and how well the 28 recommendations it made in 2003 to improve safety had been implemented. The NLR confirms that the measures put in place were correct and have been effective. There is still a need for further action in certain areas.

Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Switzerland concerning Advance Passenger Information

17.03.2006 — Press releases EDA
Text of the MoU attached as pdf file

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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