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.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
30.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is deeply concerned about the situation in Guinea. In addition to its lack of progress in restoring democratic rule in Guinea, the government is increasingly resorting to the use of force in order to crush protest actions initiated by the opposition.
24.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
The European Union and Iran have asked Switzerland to organise a meeting between the EU High Representative, Javier Solana, and the Iranian chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili. The meeting will take place in Geneva on 1 October 2009.
23.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
Key foreign policy objectives such as security and continued prosperity essentially depend on greater international co-operation and inherent strength of the international system. At the same time, international co-operation has become both more complex and demanding. The 2009 Foreign Policy Report, which was approved by the Federal Council on 2 September 2009, notes in response to such developments that a strong and active foreign policy is necessary to ensure that Switzerland can efficiently and effectively safeguard its interests in the international context. The report was transmitted to the Parliament on Tuesday (to the Foreign Policy Commissions). It will be published on 29 September in the Federal Gazette.
22.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
On the second day of his state visit to Switzerland, the President of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev visited the Suvorov Monument near Andermatt as a guest of the President of the Confederation, Hans-Rudolf Merz. In the final stage of the state visit, the two Heads of State travelled down the valley of the River Reuss in the Canton of Uri to the Federal Charter Museum in Schwyz. President Medvedev and his wife left Switzerland at the end of the afternoon.
21.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
On the first day of the state visit, the Federal Council headed by the President of the Confederation, Hans-Rudolf Merz, received the President of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev, in Bern. The official talks focused on the good state of bilateral relations, the world economic situation, as well as questions concerning international security. At the end of the talks, four co-operation agreements between the two countries were signed.
18.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
The general debate of the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations opens on 23 September 2009. It will last until 30 September 2009 and will be attended by Heads of State and Government, as well as by ministers from over 190 UN member states. The President of the Confederation, Hans-Rudolf Merz, and the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Micheline Calmy-Rey, will represent Switzerland at the general debate. On 22 September 2009, Moritz Leuenberger, Head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), will participate in a high-level meeting convened by the UN Secretary General to discuss the issue of climate change.
17.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
The Federal Council has decided to present former Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss as a candidate for the presidency of the 65th United Nations General Assembly from September 2010 to September 2011. Mr Deiss has declared his willingness to stand as a candidate.
14.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
The President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry A. Medvedev and his spouse Svetlana V. Medvedeva, will make a state visit to Switzerland on 21 and 22 September 2009.
09.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
On September 7-8, 2009, the United States Government and the Government of Switzerland co-hosted an International Bioterrorism Response Coordination Exercise (called “Black ICE II”) in Montreux, Switzerland. This two-day tabletop exercise was an opportunity for officials from numerous international and regional organizations and national governments to examine the critical cooperation and coordination issues that would be necessary to respond to an international bioterrorism attack. Black ICE II built on the lessons learned through the original Black ICE exercise, also held in Montreux, in September 2006.
04.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
Switzerland today accredited an ambassador to ASEAN, the South-East Asian community of states. The Swiss ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Bernardino Regazzoni, handed over his accreditation papers to ASEAN General Secretary Dr. Surin Pitsuwan on 4 September 2009.
03.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey received the former UN Secretary-General and Nobel peace prize winner, Kofi Annan, for talks in Bern.
03.09.2009
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Press releases
EDA
World Climate Conference-3 (WCC-3), which has brought together from 31 August to 4 September 2009, in Geneva, Switzerland, more than 2000 climate scientists, sectoral experts and decision-makers today established a Global Framework for Climate Services "to strengthen production, availability, delivery and application of science-based climate prediction and services."
14.03.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
At the Federal Council meeting of 14 March 2025, the FDFA reported on Switzerland's first membership of the UN Security Council (2023–24), a two-year term of office marked by geopolitical tensions. In spite of these challenging conditions, Switzerland was able to make an impact and contribute to advancing its foreign policy goals.
07.03.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
During its meeting on 7 March 2025, the Federal Council decided to impose an additional freeze on the assets of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his entourage. The Assad government fell last December after 24 years of rule. With this measure, the Federal Council wants to ensure that, regardless of developments in the area of sanctions, no funds of the former Assad government can flow out of Switzerland.
06.03.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will open in New York on 10 March. This edition is of particular significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, currently the most comprehensive international plan to strengthen gender equality and the rights of women and girls. The Swiss delegation will be led by Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the minister responsible for gender equality.
06.03.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The Conference of High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions on the implementation of the Fourth Convention (protection of civilians in wartime) in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, will not take place. Profound differences between the high contracting parties to the Geneva Conventions emerged during an extensive consultation process. Switzerland, as the depositary state, therefore concluded that a significant number of the high contracting parties did not support such a conference, and has decided against holding one.
28.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The fourth International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum), which focused economic development, ended today at ETH Zurich. Participants including federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis discussed the importance of local initiatives and cooperation between the private and public sectors. The IC Award was also presented to three Swiss companies for their innovations in the field of development cooperation. Over 1,500 people took part in the forum, both in person and online.
26.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
On 26 February 2025, the Federal Council approved the Foreign Policy Report 2024. The report sets out the progress that has been made in achieving the 28 objectives of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27. A special thematic focus section examines the influence of the BRICS group of states (including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the world order and outlines Switzerland's strategy for relations with those states.
25.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The fourth edition of the International Cooperation Forum Switzerland (IC Forum) will take place at ETH Zurich on 27 and 28 February 2025. Together with representatives from politics, business, research, philanthropy and NGOs, federal councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis will be looking for innovative ways to promote economic development in developing and partner countries. More than 1,500 people from over 120 countries are expected to attend in Zurich or participate online.
24.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
In Geneva this Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) has begun its 58th session with Switzerland back in the Council, and chaired for the first time by a Swiss diplomat. During the high-level segment, opened by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the head of Swiss diplomacy urged states to act with unity and determination to ensure respect for human rights, eighty years after the creation of the United Nations.
21.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
During his official visit to Romania from 19 to 21 February 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis reinforced Swiss-Romanian bilateral cooperation by signing five implementation agreements for programmes under Switzerland's second contribution to selected member states of the European Union (EU). He also highlighted the importance of promoting linguistic and cultural minorities by taking part, alongside the Romanian authorities, in an event and a debate as part of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha).
21.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
The 18th round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China took place in Beijing on 20 and 21 February 2025. The talks, which were held in confidence, allowed for a direct, critical and open exchange on international and national human rights issues. The Swiss delegation was led by Christine Löw, deputy head of the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. Switzerland is firmly committed to the universal protection of human rights – in China and elsewhere in the world. To this end, it uses a number of multilateral and bilateral instruments, including the human rights dialogue.
20.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
In 2024, Switzerland was perceived positively. The Summit on Peace in Ukraine attracted by far the most attention from the world's media. Overall, there was less coverage of Switzerland and fewer critical reports than in 2023 and 2022. Switzerland's image among the general public abroad remains very positive.
19.02.2025 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 19 February 2025, the Federal Council took stock of ongoing work on the consultation draft for the package to stabilise and further develop the bilateral approach with the European Union (EU). After being briefed on the process of formally vetting the agreements, as well as on the national implementing legislation and accompanying measures, the Federal Council determined which steps to take next.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.