Foreign policy

24 June is the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, making this the ideal time to ask how women are faring in diplomacy and where we stand today in terms of gender parity. A Swiss diplomat shares her experiences.

Switzerland is deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran and calls on all parties to exercise restraint. It warns of the devastating consequences of a further escalation of the situation and emphasises the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution. It calls for the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law. All the latest news can be found here in the news ticker.

The Asia G20 Strategy 2025–28, approved by the Federal Council, reflects Switzerland's diverse interests in relation to five key actors in Asia: China, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. These G20 countries play a major role in the global economy and geopolitical developments. This strategy updates the China Strategy 2021–24, which proved to be a successful coordination and communication instrument.

The world has not faced such a large number of conflicts since the end of the Second World War. One of these has been ongoing in Sudan for over two years, with catastrophic consequences for the civilian population. More than half of the population is now affected by hunger. Millions of people have been displaced. Switzerland is committed, within the framework of its international cooperation, peace promotion and within the UN, to ending the war and mitigating its humanitarian consequences.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will visit Japan and the People's Republic of China from 22 to 25 April 2025. The aim of this visit to Asia is to strengthen political relations and promote Switzerland's economic interests with two important partners.

Switzerland is returning confiscated illegally acquired assets to Uzbekistan. The stolen funds will now benefit the people of Uzbekistan thanks to a UN trust fund, the Uzbekistan Vision 2030 Fund, set up by Switzerland and Uzbekistan together with the UN. Among other things, this will see healthcare facilities for expectant mothers modernised at a cost of USD 43.5 million. An interview with the Ambassador of Switzerland in Tashkent, Konstantin Obolensky.