Press releases

All news (3694)

Lebanon: Switzerland sends water and sanitation support

11.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Since September 2024, developments in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel have led to the displacement of thousands of people inside Lebanon, depriving them of access to drinking water in particular. Faced with this situation, Switzerland has decided to provide additional expertise and equipment to support ongoing activities in the Bekaa Valley. The aim is to maintain equitable access to water for those affected.

Swiss diplomat Jürg Lauber elected Human Rights Council president

09.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Jürg Lauber, who currently heads the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and to the other international organisations in Geneva, has been elected to preside over the Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2025. The HRC is the UN's main human rights body. In October, Switzerland was re-elected to the council by the General Assembly for the 2025–27 period after an absence of six years.

Strategy for communication abroad: trust, innovation and Europe/G20 as priorities for 2025–28

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 6 December 2024, the Federal Council approved the Strategy for Communication Abroad 2025–28. The strategy outlines the thematic and geographical priorities for the coming years, with a focus on trust, innovation, and Europe and the G20 states. The objective is to strengthen Switzerland's image abroad, thereby helping the country safeguard its interests in the most effective way possible.

UN Security Council: humanitarian aid must reach those in need despite UN sanctions

06.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Humanitarian aid often takes place in contexts affected by UN sanctions. On 6 December 2024, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution setting out humanitarian exemptions for all UN financial sanctions. The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and on humanitarian work. It protects the civilian population – a priority of the Federal Council for Switzerland's membership of the Council in 2023–24. Switzerland, together with the United States, put the resolution to the vote in the Security Council.

Strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation: Ignazio Cassis makes official visit to Rome

29.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
During his two-day visit to Rome, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis opened the 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy, together with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The two officials praised this platform, which was designed to further enhance bilateral relations. In Rome, the head of the FDFA also participated in the international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Various other bilateral meetings with UN agencies were also on the agenda.

Dispatch on the Neutrality Initiative: Federal Council recommends rejection without counterproposal

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 27 November 2024, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the popular initiative 'Safeguarding Swiss neutrality' (Neutrality Initiative). It recommends that the Federal Assembly reject the initiative without a counterproposal. The Federal Council is of the opinion that enshrining a rigid understanding of neutrality in the Federal Constitution is not in Switzerland's interests and would restrict its room for manoeuvre in foreign policy terms.

Ignazio Cassis holds meeting with Maroš Šefčovič on 27 November 2024 in Bern

27.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, has met with Maroš Šefčovič, the European Commission's vice-president for interinstitutional relations and foresight. The exchange, which was held on 27 November in Bern, allowed the two politicians to take stock of the Swiss-EU negotiations and discuss the next steps, with the shared objective of concluding negotiations ideally by the end of the year.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend 7th Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy in Rome

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will travel to Rome on 28 and 29 November to open the Forum for Dialogue between Switzerland and Italy together with Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. On the margins of the forum, Mr Cassis will participate in an international congress on the abolition of the death penalty hosted by the Community of Sant'Egidio.

Presentation of credentials

26.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel receives South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs Alvin Botes for political consultations

25.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, met today in Bern with South Africa's deputy minister of foreign affairs responsible for cooperation and international relations, Alvin Botes, for high-level political consultations. The discussions covered foreign policy issues and cooperation between Switzerland and South Africa in the areas of the economy, human rights, research and innovation.

Ignazio Cassis receives Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár in Bern

19.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, received Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár in Bern on 19 November. Bilateral relations, Switzerland's European policy and the geopolitical situation, in particular the war in Ukraine, were key topics of discussion. Both delegations stressed the need for sound cooperation within multilateral bodies to promote peace and security in Europe.

State Secretary Alexandre Fasel travels to London for strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK

19.11.2024 — Press releases EDA
On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, the state secretary of the FDFA, Alexandre Fasel, travelled to London for the annual round of talks as part of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the UK. This year's discussions centred on bilateral issues, including the ongoing revision of the bilateral free trade agreement, and the current geopolitical context with its associated challenges.

Media (3394)

Geneva Talks 2: Meeting on security and nuclear issues

24.09.2009 — 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.

The 2009 Foreign Policy Report

23.09.2009 — 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.

The President of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev, tours Central Switzerland

22.09.2009 — 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.

First day of the state visit of the President of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev

21.09.2009 — 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.

Delegation of the Federal Council to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York

18.09.2009 — 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.

Swiss candidate for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly: former Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss

17.09.2009 — 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.

State visit by the Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev on 21 and 22 September 2009

14.09.2009 — 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.

International Bioterrorism Response Coordination Exercise (Black Ice II)

09.09.2009 — 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.

Switzerland accredits an ambassador to ASEAN

04.09.2009 — 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.

Meeting between the head of the FDFA and Kofi Annan

03.09.2009 — 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.

World Climate Conference-3 Establishes a Global Framework on Climate Services

03.09.2009 — 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."

Press release by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey

01.09.2009 — Press releases EDA
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols – the “Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations” and the “Protocol on the development of bilateral relations” – which have been initialled in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.

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.

FDFA

News

Press releases

Press releases

All news (3694)

Media (3394)

Other news (300)

Links

Information for the media

Contact