Press releases

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Ignazio Cassis meets cantonal government of Ticino in Bellinzona

25.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was welcomed by the cantonal government of Ticino in Bellinzona today as part of regular political dialogue. It was an opportunity to meet the new executive following the cantonal elections in April and to carry out an initial review of the work carried out in the current legislative period on topics of common interest, such as cross-border relations and the promotion of Italian language and culture and multilingualism. Positive results were achieved in both areas.

Partnership for Peace: Switzerland and NATO set cooperation targets for 2023 and 2024

21.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and NATO have defined the objectives of their cooperation for 2023 and 2024 in a non-legally binding Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP). The ITPP was concluded under the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme and affirms the Federal Council’s intention to strengthen international cooperation in the area of security policy.

Peace process in Colombia: Switzerland to serve as guarantor state in negotiations between government and rebels

20.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
As part of its long-standing peace policy in Colombia, Switzerland is taking on an official mandate at the request of the Colombian government and the rebel group EMC (Estado Mayor Central) as guarantor of the new peace process due to begin in the near future. The mandate is a signal of recognition of Switzerland's commitment to peace and its diplomatic efforts.

Greater cooperation with Slovakia

19.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and Slovakia have signed a bilateral agreement on 19 September 2023 on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Switzerland will support programmes in Slovakia in the areas of vocational training, sustainable tourism and healthcare amounting to CHF 44.2 million. This means that all 13 bilateral implementation agreements for the second Swiss contribution to strengthen cohesion are under wraps.

Switzerland welcomes US-Iran prisoner swap

18.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes the humanitarian gesture of the US and Iran that has led to the successful exchange of five American and five Iranian prisoners, who can now go home to their families. Switzerland helped facilitate the prisoner exchange by providing its good offices. The FDFA would like to thank all the countries involved for the trust they placed in Switzerland.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at UN in New York after consolidating Swiss partnership with Canada

18.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly in Ottawa. Talks centred on further developing Swiss–Canadian ties in the fields of economy, research, environment and human rights. Next step: 18 to 20 September in New York and the opening week of the UN General Assembly. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis and his delegation will also attend thematic events and bilateral meetings, which will focus on the war in Ukraine, combating pollution, and guaranteeing respect for the rule of law and international humanitarian law.

Strengthening Swiss–Canada ties: visit by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis

16.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 18 September 2023, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will meet the Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly in Ottawa for bilateral talks. The intensification of bilateral relations in business, research, the environment and human rights will be at the heart of this exchange. Switzerland and Canada share common values and close economic and cultural ties.

Ukraine digitalising public services with Swiss support

15.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 September 2023, the Federal Council approved additional support for digitalisation in Ukraine. This will enable citizens, refugees and businesses to access public services and have a political say despite the ongoing war. The 'E-governance for Accountability and Participation' (EGAP) project will receive a contribution of CHF 15 million this year.

Looking ahead to the 78th UN General Assembly

15.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 15 September, the Federal Council was briefed on the outcome of the consultation of the foreign affairs committees in the run-up to the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The main items on the agenda are the international financial architecture, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, international law and UN reforms. The 78th session of the UNGA will open next Tuesday in New York. President of the Confederation Alain Berset and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will represent Switzerland.

FDFA renews support for Swiss Water and Sanitation Consortium

14.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
A world with adequate and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene for all is essential. The FDFA is therefore renewing its budget for the Swiss Water and Sanitation Consortium for 2023–27 with a total of 12 million francs. The fund helps ensure access to basic sanitation facilities for vulnerable communities in 13 countries throughout Africa and Asia.

Swiss aid operation in Greece concluded

11.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss deployment to fight forest fires and support Greece after the floods came to an end on Sunday evening, 10 September 2023. In the initial phase, the team supported the Greek authorities in fire-fighting operations for five days with Swiss army helicopters. In the second phase, the team focused on the flooded areas of central Greece. Three Super Puma helicopters were used to transport people and distribute material. Today, Monday, the helicopters and their crews as well as the Swiss Humanitarian Aid rapid response team returned to Switzerland.

Greece: Swiss relief operation refocused on flooding

07.09.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss operation to fight forest fires in Greece was completed on Thursday evening, 7 September 2023. The fires were brought under control. The Greek authorities have now appealed to Switzerland to adapt its relief operation to provide assistance to the areas affected by flooding. Switzerland is therefore continuing its humanitarian relief operation and, starting tomorrow, will be the first country to support the Greek authorities in tackling the flooding in the Thessaly region. Three Swiss Armed Forces helicopters have been deployed to transport people and supplies.

Media (3176)

International cooperation: FDFA and EAER launch consultation on goals and priorities of 2025–28 strategy

20.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
Interested parties have three months to submit comments on the draft version of Switzerland's next international cooperation strategy. Public consultation is a key stage before the Federal Council will decide on adopting the new strategy in spring 2024. CHF 11.45 billion has been earmarked for the 2025–28 period. Swiss international cooperation contributes to freedom, security and prosperity in Switzerland and around the world and demonstrates solidarity in the face of global challenges.

Ignazio Cassis receives Georgian foreign minister Ilia Darchiashvili in Bern

19.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, received the Georgian minister of foreign affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, on an official visit to Bern on Monday 19 June 2023. Talks focused on the further development of bilateral relations, the situation in the South Caucasus and multilateral cooperation. Of note in Georgian–Swiss relations are the growth in trade between the two nations, as well as Switzerland's good offices and its long-standing involvement in the region.

Launch of new cooperation programme between Switzerland and Latvia

19.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and Latvia have signed a bilateral agreement implementing the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. Under the agreement Switzerland will allocate CHF 40.4 million towards programmes in Latvia in the fields of polluted site remediation, applied research, vocational education and training and healthcare.

From Lugano to London: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends second Ukraine Recovery Conference

19.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is supporting reconstruction efforts in Ukraine through concrete measures for the people affected by the war. It also played a key role in the initiation of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the first edition of which Switzerland co-organised in Lugano in July 2022. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis will be taking part in a panel on mine action at this second conference, taking place in Lo ndon on 21 and 22 June 2023. As co-organiser of last year's Ukraine Recovery Conference, he will also give a speech at the closing plenary together with this and next year's organisers, collectively known as the 'troika'.

Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit turns 50

16.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
A celebration is in order: for half a century, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has been the face of Switzerland's humanitarian aid, providing assistance worldwide before, during and after crises of all kinds. Today, it is impossible to imagine Switzerland's international cooperation without it.

Notice of publication

15.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
Annual Report on International Cooperation 2022

Switzerland pledges CHF 60 million more in humanitarian aid for crisis in Syria

15.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
Twelve years after the conflict broke out, humanitarian needs in Syria are greater than ever. At the Seventh Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region' on 15 June 2023, Switzerland announced CHF 60 million in support for the affected population this year.

Federal Council adopts report Assessment of Swiss-EU relations

09.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 9 June 2023, the Federal Council definitively adopted the report on relations between Switzerland and the European Union and submitted it to the Federal Assembly. The report was deliberated in December 2022 and adopted subject to the outcome of the consultation of the Foreign Affairs Committees of both chambers of Parliament.

Swiss–US dialogue continues on cybersecurity and digital technology

08.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
Interdepartmental delegations from the Swiss and US governments met on 7 June 2023 in Washington, D.C., to report on mutual policy in the areas of cybersecurity and digitalisation, with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in these areas. The Swiss delegation was led by Benedikt Wechsler, ambassador and head of the FDFA's Digitalisation Division.

Federal Council adopts maritime strategy for Switzerland

02.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council adopted a maritime strategy on June 2, 2023 that provides an overview for all stakeholders and will make federal policy on issues in this area more coherent. Although Switzerland is a landlocked country, it has a number of interests in maritime affairs.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Madrid before Spain's EU presidency

01.06.2023 — Press releases EDA
On 5 June, the head of the FDFA is to be received by José Manuel Albares, the Spanish minister for foreign affairs, the EU and cooperation. The two ministers will discuss the development of Swiss-EU relations in the run-up to Spain's presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2023. Discussions will also focus on the war in Ukraine, the UN Security Council and the excellent bilateral relations between Switzerland and Spain.

UN Security Council: Switzerland advocates for the protection of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant

30.05.2023 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chaired a meeting on the protection of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant at the UN Security Council on 30 May 2023. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), presented five principles to the Council to guarantee protection of the nuclear power plant. This protection has been threatened several times since the beginning of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Switzerland supports the IAEA's efforts and calls on the parties to recognise and implement the five principles.

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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