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.
27.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On Sunday 28 April, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Saudi Arabia for a World Economic Forum special meeting. In his capacity as head of the FDFA, Mr Cassis was invited by his Saudi counterpart to attend the two-day event which aims to bridge the growing North-South divide by promoting global collaboration.
25.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 24 April 2024, the UN General Assembly approved funding for an independent institution to investigate cases of missing persons in Syria, to be based in Geneva. As part of its peace policy, Switzerland is firmly committed to clarifying the fate of detained and missing persons. In doing so, it is making a significant contribution to dealing with the past, which is central to peace processes – including in Syria. Switzerland therefore welcomes the international community's decision for the institution to begin its work in International Geneva in 2024.
25.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The r4d programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) came to a close today at a public event in Bern. The two institutions also took the opportunity to launch a new programme called Solution-oriented Research for Development (SOR4D). The two programmes involve the implementation of projects in the fields of health, food security, social conflicts, ecosystems, employment and income in developing countries.
24.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 24 April 2024, the Federal Council decided to proceed with the planned use of CHF 56 million of humanitarian funding earmarked for the Middle East. The FDFA has been instructed to consult with the foreign affairs committees on this matter. A decision on the disbursement of the Swiss contribution to UNRWA will be made at a later date.
23.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, received Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg in Bern today. Their discussions focused on the close bilateral relations between the two countries, Switzerland's European policy, current international affairs and the security situation. Both ministers reaffirmed their joint commitment to promoting global peace.
18.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
Palestine's application for full UN membership will not be submitted to the UN General Assembly due to the veto by the United States on 18 April in the UN Security Council. Switzerland abstained from the vote. After assessing the situation and consulting with the chairs of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees, the Federal Council concluded that granting Palestine full UN membership at this time would not be conducive to easing the situation and peace efforts in the Middle East. Switzerland remains committed to the two-state solution.
18.04.2024
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Press releases
EDA
On 17–18 April, representatives from more than 50 countries and organisations gathered at an international workshop in Kyiv to discuss measures for identifying and clearing mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Good coordination of national activities and international support is crucial to ensure that this work can progress swiftly and effectively. The workshop was co-organised by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). Switzerland, whose delegation at the conference was led by Ambassador Simon Geissbühler, has a long history of supporting humanitarian demining through the GICHD and other organisations. Clearing the country of mines is a key prerequisite for Ukraine's recovery.
17.04.2024
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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.
15.04.2024
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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.
12.04.2024
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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.
12.04.2024
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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.
11.04.2024
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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.
26.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Switzerland takes note of the fourth report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which has been working to identify the perpetrators of chemical weapons use in Marea, Syria on 1 September 2015. Switzerland condemns the use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms and calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using them and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Those responsible for crimes under international law in Syria must be held accountable.
26.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
On 26 February, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Mr Saleumxay Kommasith, in Bern for an official working visit. Discussions focused on the development of bilateral relations, Switzerland's partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the geopolitical situation.
23.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
At its meeting on 21 February 2024, the Federal Council took note of the report of the Control Committee of the Council of States (CC-S) dated 14 November 2023 and the underlying report of the Parliamentary Control of the Administration (PCA) on the measurement of effectiveness in international cooperation (IC). Although some of the evaluations assessed are of good quality, the CC-S identified a significant need to improve the entire IC effectiveness measurement process.
20.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will address the United Nations in New York on 22 and 23 February 2024 to mark the two-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. He will take part in the UN Security Council and General Assembly debates on the situation in Ukraine, as well as a side event focusing on humanitarian mine action. He will also participate in various bilateral meetings.
19.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and a number of Italian dignitaries kicked off the fourth edition of the international Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha) at Milan's Swiss Centre today. The FDFA runs this week each year in collaboration with the Canton of Graubünden and Lia Rumantscha. The kick-off event – 'From words to ideas: six Swiss and Italian regions in dialogue' – focused on innovation and sustainability between Switzerland and northern Italy, with fashion featuring prominently given its concurrence with Milan Fashion Week.
08.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Ignazio Cassis has concluded his journey to Asia with a visit to the
Philippine capital Manila. Discussions focused mainly on economic and political cooperation and the geopolitical situation. The last official visit to the Philippines by a member of the Federal Council dates back to 2008.
07.02.2024 —
Press releases
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, visited Beijing on 6 and 7 February, marking the resumption of the strategic dialogue between Switzerland and the People's Republic of China. This visit was part of Mr Cassis's tour of the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions in Beijing centred on priority bilateral issues and current international affairs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.