Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
15.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 October 2025, the Federal Council discussed measures to strengthen the involvement of the cantons and Parliament in Switzerland's foreign policy on the Swiss–EU package. Next steps for concluding an arrangement with the cantons and expanding information mechanisms for the parliamentary committees were also set out. These proposals will be included in the Federal Council dispatch expected to be submitted to Parliament in March 2026.
15.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
As part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 and 2026 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
14.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
From 15 to 17 October 2025, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) summit will bring together around a thousand researchers, diplomats, ministers, representatives of the private sector and philanthropists to discuss the challenges posed by new technologies and their impact on people's lives. In his speech, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs will highlight the work that science and diplomacy do together in facilitating discussions between states when they need to define rules for the use of new technologies. These types of negotiations often take place in Geneva.
10.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has chosen Ambassador Jürg Lauber to succeed Gilles Carbonnier as Vice-President of the institution, who will end his second four-year term on 31 March 2026. Currently Switzerland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, Jürg Lauber is also this year the President of the UN Human Rights Council.
10.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, today welcomed the foreign minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, to Bellinzona for the fourth round of Switzerland and China's strategic dialogue. The meeting also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
09.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On 9 October 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, met with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel for official talks in Lisbon. The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the close and strong ties between Switzerland and Portugal, which are strengthened in particular by the large Portuguese community living in Switzerland. Current geopolitical issues were also discussed.
08.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted, by a large majority, a resolution put forward by Switzerland and seven other countries to ensure that those facing the death penalty have the right to equality before the law. This success represents a further step on the way to abolishing capital punishment. The 60th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) ended today following a month's work. This was also the final session chaired by Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber.
02.10.2025
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Press releases
EDA
On Thursday, 2 October, the president of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit meeting in Copenhagen. Ahead of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the EU over the next six-month term, Ms Keller-Sutter took the opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on the sidelines of the meeting of European heads of state and government.
29.09.2025
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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.
25.09.2025
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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.
24.09.2025
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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.
23.09.2025
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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.
15.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 15 October 2025, the Federal Council discussed measures to strengthen the involvement of the cantons and Parliament in Switzerland's foreign policy on the Swiss–EU package. Next steps for concluding an arrangement with the cantons and expanding information mechanisms for the parliamentary committees were also set out. These proposals will be included in the Federal Council dispatch expected to be submitted to Parliament in March 2026.
15.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
As part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 and 2026 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).
14.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
From 15 to 17 October 2025, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) summit will bring together around a thousand researchers, diplomats, ministers, representatives of the private sector and philanthropists to discuss the challenges posed by new technologies and their impact on people's lives. In his speech, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs will highlight the work that science and diplomacy do together in facilitating discussions between states when they need to define rules for the use of new technologies. These types of negotiations often take place in Geneva.
10.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has chosen Ambassador Jürg Lauber to succeed Gilles Carbonnier as Vice-President of the institution, who will end his second four-year term on 31 March 2026. Currently Switzerland's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva, Jürg Lauber is also this year the President of the UN Human Rights Council.
10.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, today welcomed the foreign minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, to Bellinzona for the fourth round of Switzerland and China's strategic dialogue. The meeting also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
09.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
On 9 October 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, met with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel for official talks in Lisbon. The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the close and strong ties between Switzerland and Portugal, which are strengthened in particular by the large Portuguese community living in Switzerland. Current geopolitical issues were also discussed.
08.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The UN Human Rights Council has adopted, by a large majority, a resolution put forward by Switzerland and seven other countries to ensure that those facing the death penalty have the right to equality before the law. This success represents a further step on the way to abolishing capital punishment. The 60th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) ended today following a month's work. This was also the final session chaired by Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber.
02.10.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
On Thursday, 2 October, the president of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, attended the European Political Community (EPC) summit meeting in Copenhagen. Ahead of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the EU over the next six-month term, Ms Keller-Sutter took the opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion with the president of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, on the sidelines of the meeting of European heads of state and government.
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.
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.
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.
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.
02.09.2019 —
EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz on Monday, 2 September 2019 in Lucerne during events to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Israel. The two ministers discussed various bilateral issues and the situation in the Middle East. On Tuesday, Mr Katz will also pay a courtesy visit to Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation.
02.09.2019 —
EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the events to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Israel - Check against delivery
27.08.2019 —
EDA
St. Gallen, 27.08.2019 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the World Demographic & Ageing Forum on the occasion of the Award Ceremony to Carla del Ponte - Check against delivery
19.08.2019 —
Local news
EDA
From August 19 to September 6, 2019, the FDFA is embarking on a special kind of tour de suisse: as part of the "Meet the Ambassadors" project, Swiss ambassadors will visit their home cantons for eleven days to talk about her work abroad or in the FDFA. The focus is on exchanges with people about foreign policy and the work of diplomats.
14.08.2019 —
EDA
The authority responsible for the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA) has published its third activity report, covering the period from 1 January–31 December 2018. The authority processed a total of 479 declarations from private security companies. The Federal Council took note of this at its meeting on 14 August 2019.
13.08.2019 —
EDA
A representative survey carried out by Presence Switzerland in 19 countries shows that Switzerland enjoys a very positive image abroad. It earns high marks for its natural beauty, unspoiled environment and well-functioning political system, and also as a centre for business, research and education. The Swiss financial sector enjoys an excellent reputation, with its banks and financial institutions taking the first rank ahead of Germany, the UK and the US. There is however limited public awareness internationally of what Switzerland is doing to promote peace and human rights and address the problems the world is facing today.
05.08.2019 —
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Mozambique on Tuesday 6 August 2019 to attend the signing ceremony of the peace accord, to which Switzerland made a decisive contribution. Various political talks and visits to Swiss aid projects are also on the agenda. Mr Cassis will be accompanied by Councillor of States Damian Müller and National Councillor Thomas Aeschi.
02.08.2019 —
EDA
The FDFA regrets the demise of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty which, since 1987, had banned a particularly destabilising category of nuclear missiles. Termination of the INF Treaty means the loss of an important arms control instrument which has been crucial in contributing to European security.
01.08.2019 —
Article
EDA
To mark the Swiss national holiday, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is visiting all four language regions of Switzerland. The head of the FDFA will give a speech and meet with locals at Krauchthal (BE), L'Etivaz (VD), Chiasso (TI) and Zuoz (GR).
30.07.2019 —
EDA
The FDFA is no longer pursuing the possibility of a sponsorship with Philip Morris International (PMI) for the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis made this decision so as not to undermine the primary objective of the Swiss presence in Dubai, which is to convey a positive image of Switzerland. Mr Cassis has also instructed Presence Switzerland to revise the FDFA's current sponsorship policy by the end of 2019.
25.07.2019 —
EDA
The FDFA wishes to emphasise that the decision regarding services supplied by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in Saudi Arabia was the result of a legal procedure and was therefore not a political decision. The FDFA rejects the assertions made by Weltwoche about State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl in this context.
22.07.2019 —
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl held consultations in Saudi Arabia yesterday. During her visit she met various Saudi and Swiss stakeholders based in the country. The trip follows on from recent contacts with various Gulf states where Ms Baeriswyl discussed the current situation and offered Switzerland's good offices to help ease tensions. To this end, Switzerland applauds the recent evacuation of an Iranian crew member to Oman for medical reasons and Saudi Arabia's efforts in releasing Iranian oil tanker Happiness 1.