Press releases

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Switzerland extends support to Caribbean in wake of Hurricane Melissa

31.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
In response to the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, Switzerland is stepping up its humanitarian efforts in the region. The FDFA has released over CHF 1 million to help those affected in Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica and is deploying nine specialists to Cuba to support the Red Cross there with the relief operations on the ground.

State visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa: Switzerland and South Africa strengthen relations

29.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
The state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa is serving as an opportunity for Switzerland and South Africa to strengthen relations. On Wednesday, 29 October, five documents on future cooperation were signed. Prior to that, the South African president was received by the full Federal Council. Official talks focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries at international level.

Ignazio Cassis in Iraq and Kuwait: new opportunities and partnerships

25.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis's official visit to Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait ends today. Following his official visit to Jordan on 22 October, the head of the FDFA travelled to Iraq and Kuwait from 23 to 25 October. This trip to the Middle East gave the head of the FDFA an opportunity to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing the region, such as the situation in the Gaza Strip. These three official visits also highlight the new perspectives for political, economic and humanitarian cooperation in a region in motion.

Situation in Gaza at heart of discussions between Ignazio Cassis and Ayman Safadi in Amman

24.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Amman on 22 October for an official visit to Jordan. There he met with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, for in-depth discussions on regional political developments, the humanitarian situation in Gaza and bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Jordan. The conflict in the Middle East and the US's 20-point peace plan were at the heart of the talks.

Injured children to be evacuated from Gaza for medical treatment

24.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
As part of a humanitarian operation, Switzerland is evacuating an initial group of seven injured children from the Gaza Strip to Switzerland. The children and persons accompanying them will be hosted by seven Swiss cantons, where they will receive medical treatment at university and cantonal hospitals. They will also undergo an asylum procedure in Switzerland. The humanitarian operation has been jointly organised by several federal agencies and cantons, and is being carried out in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Swiss Air-Rescue Rega.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to pay state visit to Switzerland

23.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay a two-day state visit to Switzerland next week at the invitation of the Federal Council, led by President Karin Keller-Sutter. The visit aims to underscore and further deepen the close and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. South Africa is strategically important for Switzerland and ranks among its most important partners on the African continent.

La situation à Gaza au cœur des discussions entre les ministres des affaires étrangère Ignazio Cassis et Ayman Safadi à Amman

23.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Le conseiller fédéral Ignazio Cassis s’est rendu à Amman le 22 octobre pour une visite officielle en Jordanie. Il y a rencontré son homologue, le ministre des Affaires étrangères Ayman Safadi, pour un échange approfondi sur les évolutions politiques régionales, la situation humanitaire à Gaza et la coopération bilatérale entre la Suisse et le Royaume hachémite. Le confit au Proche-Orient et le plan de paix en 20 points des Etats-Unis ont été au cœur des échanges.

Federal Council initiates consultation on Amending Protocol to Agreement between Switzerland and EU on automatic exchange of information in tax matters

22.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
During its meeting on 22 October 2025, the Federal Council launched the consultation on the Amending Protocol to the Agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU) on the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance. The Agreement will be aligned with the amended OECD standard and also contains new provisions on administrative assistance for the recovery of VAT claims.

House of Switzerland 2028 in California – a showcase for Swiss creativity and innovation

22.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting today, the Federal Council decided to capitalise on the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles to promote Switzerland and its interests. California is one of the leading regions in the US for innovation, cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship. The House of Switzerland will shine a spotlight on Switzerland's strengths in the creative industries, the tech sector, sport and health.

Ignazio Cassis on official visits to Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait

21.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will be in Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait on official visits from 22 to 25 October 2025. Mr Cassis will be accompanied by the National Council president, Maja Riniker. The visit to the Middle East will serve to deepen bilateral relations, explore possible new avenues for cooperation and discuss current regional developments.

Switzerland and EU sign Amending Protocol to the Agreement on automatic exchange of information in tax matters

20.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 20 October 2025 in Brussels, Switzerland and the European Union (EU) signed the Amending Protocol to the Agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information to improve international tax compliance. With the Amending Protocol, the Agreement will be aligned to the amended OECD standard and supplemented with new provisions on administrative assistance for the collection of VAT claims.

SDG Flag Day in Lugano: first dialogue between some of Switzerland's largest cities

20.10.2025 — Press releases EDA
An event in connection with SDG Flag Day 2025 was held in Lugano on Friday 17 October at the Asilo Ciani with representatives of Bern and Zurich attending alongside the mayors of Biel/Bienne and Lugano. The two Federal Council delegates for the 2030 Agenda, Markus Reubi (FDFA) and Daniel Dubas (DETEC), as well as the director of the Swiss Union of Cities, Monika Litscher, also participated.

Media (3546)

Amendment to the Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia

04.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has amended the Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia. Through its rapid precautionary freeze of funds, the Federal Council intends to facilitate legal assistance with the Tunisian authorities in view of the possible initiation of criminal procedures. Switzerland has in the meantime received an application for legal assistance from Tunisia. The information on individuals affected by the Swiss measures could therefore be amended to reflect the criminal procedures that have been, or can be expected to be initiated in Tunisia. The amendments enter into force today.

President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey visited the Hungarian EU presidency in Budapest

03.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
"Switzerland and Hungary enjoy excellent bilateral relations and are a successful example of authentic European relations", said President of the Confederation and Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey at the end of her state visit to the Hungarian EU presidency in Budapest.

Switzerland’s participation at Expo Milano 2015 symbolised with an apple tree

03.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is the first country to confirm its participation at Expo Milano 2015. Today, the official celebrations took place in the Centro Svizzero in Milan. As a gift, the Swiss delegation presented the Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, with an apple tree of the latest Swiss eco-variety, Galiwa.

Duvalier assets to be forfeited on the basis of new Restitution Act

02.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
The new Federal Act on the Restitution of Assets of Politically Exposed Persons obtained by Unlawful Means (RIAA) came into force on 1 February 2011. Today the Federal Council decided to ask the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) to initiate proceedings for the forfeiture of the Duvalier funds frozen in Switzerland. The Federal Administrative Court (FAC) will be in charge of these proceedings.

Two new SDC vice-directors appointed

02.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
The management team of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, is again complete: Maya Tissafi has been appointed vice-director and Head of South Cooperation Department; she will take up her new responsibilities on 1 March 2011. The new Head of Global Cooperation and vice-director is Michel Mordasini, who will begin work in his new function on 1 May 2011.

Switzerland’s image abroad remains stable

01.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is ranked eighth on the 2010 Nation Brands Index (NBI), and thus once again figures among the leading countries of the world in terms of image. In view of the fact that Switzerland was often in the international spotlight during that year, this may be regarded as an excellent result. However, its image suffered a slight setback in the “Population” category, and in particular in Turkey and in Egypt. As has been the case in previous years, Switzerland continues to enjoy a better rating from countries overseas than from European nations. Once again, Germany is the main exception here.

Restitution of Illicit Assets Act (RIAA)

01.02.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Act on the Restitution of Assets of Politically Exposed Persons obtained by Unlawful Means (RIAA) came into force on 1 February 2011. It governs the freezing, forfeiture and restitution of the assets of politically exposed persons (PEPs) in cases where a request for mutual assistance cannot succeed in the requesting state due to the failure of its judicial system. This new law confirms Switzerland’s position of international leadership when it comes to the restitution of assets of illicit origin.

Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey pays state visit to EU-President Hungary

31.01.2011 — Press releases EDA
Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will be in Hungary for a state visit from 2 to 3 February 2011. Hungary currently holds the EU presidency.

Update of Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia

28.01.2011 — Press releases EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has added the names of six natural persons to the Annex to the Ordinance on Measures Against Certain Individuals from Tunisia. The name of one individual has been deleted, and one entry has been reworded. The changes enter into effect today.

The President of the Confederation gives a positive assessment of her participation at the 2011 World Economic Forum

28.01.2011 — Press releases EDA
Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), made use of her attendance at this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to hold talks with numerous heads of state and of government, and other high-level officials. In her positive assessment of her visit, Federal President Calmy-Rey said: “The 2011 WEF was a good opportunity to discuss bilateral issues with some of Switzerland’s major partners, as well as to participate in talks on global sustainability.”

50 years

26.01.2011 — Press releases EDA
6 January 2011 marks 50 years of Switzerland representing American interests in Cuba. Switzerland accepted the mandate in 1961 following the Cuban revolution which led to the break-off of relations between Cuba and the US.

Swiss President Calmy-Rey on official visit to Berlin

24.01.2011 — Press releases EDA
President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey travelled on Monday 24 January on a first official foreign visit to Berlin. She was received with military honours by President Christian Wulff and met for talks with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as with Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Rainer Brüderle, Federal Minister for Economics and Technology.

Other news (151)

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

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.

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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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