Press releases, 20.12.2017

As part of structural reforms decided by the Federal Council on 8 November 2017 and on the basis of a review of the network of representations, the FDFA proposed the closing of the Swiss consulates general in Karachi (Pakistan) and Los Angeles (US).

In accordance with the Swiss Abroad Act (SR 195.1), the Federal Council, at its meeting on 20 December 2017, instructed the FDFA to consult the two parliamentary foreign affairs committees about these closures. The FDFA will inform the Federal Council about the results of the consultation.

Unlike the Swiss embassy in Islamabad and consulate general in San Francisco, the Swiss consulates general in Karachi and Los Angeles no longer provide consular services. The Swiss consulate general in Karachi has limited opportunities to engage in its main activities, i.e. to promote the Swiss economy, trade and tourism. The international communication activities currently carried out by the Swiss consulate general in Los Angeles can be undertaken by the consulate general in San Francisco, a city that is also located in California.

Switzerland's network of representations, currently comprised of some 170 representations abroad, is subject to continuous adaptation based on Switzerland's interests, developments in political and economic centers of gravity and available financial resources.


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FDFA Information
Tel. +41 58 462 31 53
info@eda.admin.ch


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The Federal Council
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Last update 19.07.2023

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Contact

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