Press releases

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Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Asia-Pacific region

01.02.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis will be travelling to China, India, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines from 5 to 8 February 2024. Mr Cassis will meet with the foreign ministers in all four countries for official talks. The focus will be on strengthening Switzerland's network of ties in the Asia-Pacific region. Peace in Ukraine will also be on the agenda.

Federal Council signs agreement on privileges and immunities with the foundation “Fund for the Afghan People”

01.02.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council and the foundation “Fund for the Afghan People” (Afghan Fund) have signed an agreement on privileges and immunities of the Foundation in Switzerland, which entered into force on February 1, 2024. With this agreement, the Federal Council recognizes the international significance of the Afghan Fund and ensures the protection and preservation of the fund's assets in Switzerland.

2023 Foreign Policy Report and review of the past legislative period: Switzerland steps up its political and humanitarian commitment

31.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2023 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 31 January 2024. The report reviews Switzerland's foreign policy in 2023 and takes stock of the Foreign Policy Strategy (FPS) 2020–23.

Federal Council adopts new Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27

31.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Council adopted the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 at its meeting on 31 January 2024, after consulting the foreign affairs committees of the National Council and Council of States and the cantons. This strategy outlines Switzerland's stance in a rapidly evolving global landscape and establishes key foreign policy priorities for the upcoming legislative period. Democracy and the environment are among the new thematic priorities, and particular emphasis is placed on stability and prosperity in Europe.

Middle East: Federal Councillor Cassis stresses the need for a comprehensive solution

24.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
On January 23, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a ministerial debate on the Middle East at the UN Security Council. Under the French Presidency, the aim of the debate was to contribute to concrete progress towards a political solution to the crisis in the Middle East. The Head of the FDFA presented to the Council an analysis of the situation and presented his views on a solution to the conflict and a lasting peace in the region. In addition, the Head of the FDFA took advantage of his presence in New York to hold bilateral meetings.

Middle East: Federal Councillor Cassis to take part in a ministerial debate at the UN Security Council

22.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York on 23 January 2024, where he will take part in an open debate at the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East

Press communiqué of the co-chairs Ukraine and Switzerland of the 4th Meeting of National Security and Foreign Policy Advisors on Key Principles of Peace for Ukraine

15.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
Davos, Switzerland, 14 January 2024

Peace formula: National security advisers discuss in Davos principles for lasting peace in Ukraine

15.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 14 January 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine will host the fourth national security advisers' (NSA) meeting in Davos within the framework of the Ukrainian peace formula. The aim of the conference, to be co-chaired by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, is to finalise the talks at the level of national security advisers on principles for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. These principles should form the basis for the next stages of the peace process. Switzerland is making an important contribution to this through the conference in Davos.

Switzerland reaffirms solidarity with Ukraine

15.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
During the official visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Bern on Monday 15 January, Switzerland and Ukraine acknowledged the depth and dynamism of their bilateral relations. The Swiss government delegation, led by President Viola Amherd, underscored Switzerland's continued solidarity with Ukraine. Another key item on the agenda was the follow-up to the meeting of national security advisers hosted in Davos on Sunday within the framework of the Ukrainian peace formula. Switzerland expressed its willingness to organise a high-level summit.

Switzerland and China renew high-level contacts and deepen relations in the run-up to 75th anniversary

15.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Monday, 15 January, a Federal Council delegation led by President Viola Amherd received a Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang at the Lohn Estate for an official visit to Switzerland. This was the first such high-level meeting since the pandemic. The delegations discussed the deep and wide-ranging bilateral relations characterised by dialogue on around 30 issues, as well as a range of current international affairs.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the 2024 WEF Annual Meeting

12.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending. President Viola Amherd will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 16 January.

Peace formula: National security advisers discuss in Davos principles for lasting peace in Ukraine

11.01.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 14 January 2024, Switzerland and Ukraine will host the fourth national security advisers' (NSA) meeting in Davos within the framework of the Ukrainian peace formula. The aim of the conference, to be co-chaired by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, is to finalise the talks at the level of national security advisers on principles for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. These principles should form the basis for the next stages of the peace process. Switzerland is making an important contribution to this through the conference in Davos.

Media (3284)

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel leads third strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and US

17.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received a US delegation for political consultations in Bern on 17 April. The delegation was led by Assistant Secretary James O'Brien, who is in charge of European and Eurasian affairs at the US Department of State. On the agenda were the many ongoing or recently concluded bilateral negotiations, particularly in the area of taxation, which are concrete examples of the dynamism of bilateral relations.

Humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa: Switzerland increases aid for people in Sudan

15.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the international donors' conference on 15 April 2024 in Paris, Switzerland pledged CHF 19 million to mitigate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan. As a result of the ongoing hostilities over the past year, the country is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. To date, 8.6 million people have been displaced, and the country is on the brink of a devastating famine. From the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been actively engaged at multiple levels to help end the conflict and improve the situation on the ground.

IC Forum 2024: 1000 people come together in Basel to discuss the theme of peace

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) concluded today in Basel. Over 1,000 representatives from politics, business, science, and civil society gathered alongside President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd, FDFA head Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, and Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde to discuss the theme of peace promotion. Discussions centred on three core values: critical dialogue, trust, and innovation, all aimed at finding new pathways for tangible and sustainable progress. A highlight of the 2024 forum was the Swiss IC Awards, recognising innovative peace-building projects by Swiss companies.

Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Croatia

12.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis paid an official visit to Croatia today. He was received by his counterpart, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, Swiss–EU relations and the geopolitical context.

Switzerland at 2024 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Washington

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 17 to 19 April 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also take place as part of this gathering. In addition, the two Federal Councillors will take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings.

Conflicts and crises lead to increase in ODA in 2023

11.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2023, Switzerland's official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 4.64 billion, equivalent to 0.60% of its gross national income (GNI), more than a quarter of which came from asylum-related costs in Switzerland. Excluding these asylum costs, the ODA/GNI ratio was 0.43%.

Federal Council to support recovery in Ukraine with CHF 5 billion by 2036

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has been providing humanitarian aid and supporting the economic development and longer-term reconstruction of Ukraine since the war broke out in February 2022. This support builds on the existing cooperation with the country and is to be intensified over the next twelve years, as decided by the Federal Council at its meeting of 10 April 2024. It plans to allocate a total of CHF 5 billion to this end by 2036. As a first step, around CHF 1.5 billion is to be drawn from the international cooperation budget by 2028. This amount clearly demonstrates Switzerland's solidarity with the people affected by the war in Ukraine and will increase stability on the European continent.

Federal Council renews its contribution to the Green Climate Fund

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland will continue to support the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a total contribution of CHF 135 million over the next four years. The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 10 April 2024. The GCF helps developing countries take concrete action to achieve the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. In particular, it funds initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

Switzerland to host high-level conference on peace at the Bürgenstock resort in June 2024

10.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 10 April 2024, the Federal Council took note of the results of the exploratory phase of the high-level conference on peace in Ukraine. The conditions are now in place for the conference to be able to initiate a peace process. The first step is to develop a common understanding among the participating states with a view to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The conference is scheduled for June 2024 at the Bürgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden.

OSCE conference: Switzerland calls for concrete measures to combat antisemitism

09.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe convened this year's Conference on Addressing Anti-Semitism in the OSCE region in Malta on 8 and 9 October. It marked the 20th anniversary of the OSCE's Berlin declaration against antisemitism and highlighted the sharp rise in antisemitism since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The participating states underlined the need for interfaith and intercultural dialogue to bridge divides between communities. Switzerland, which was represented by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler at the conference, called for the swift implementation of concrete short- and long-term measures against antisemitism.

What is peace? The main theme of the International Cooperation Forum 2024

08.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 11 and 12 April 2024, President of the Confederation Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in the third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) in Basel. 'What is Peace?' will be the guiding theme for discussions between representatives from politics, academia, the private sector and civil society. The goal of the IC Forum is to identify new avenues for promoting peace.

Human rights at heart of current crises discussed at 55th session of Human Rights Council

05.04.2024 — Press releases EDA
The 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva focused on the situations in the Middle East and Ukraine. The session began on 26 February, with Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and around 100 high-level dignitaries in attendance. It ended on Friday 5 April.

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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