Geographical strategies

Switzerland's geographical foreign policy strategies for the 2021–26 period are:

• the South East Asia Strategy
• the Americas Strategy
• the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy
• the Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy
• the China Strategy

South East Asia is a fast-growing region. The 11 countries that make up this region together form the fifth largest economy in the world. On 15 February 2023, the Federal Council adopted for the first time a strategy setting out the national priorities for this geographical area. The aim is to strengthen Switzerland’s relations with the countries of the region and to deepen them in a targeted manner in order to meet the challenges ahead. To achieve this, the strategy is structured around four priorities that are derived from those set out in the Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23: peace and security, prosperity, sustainability and digitalisation. It also incorporates a fifth priority by strengthening support for the approximately 18’600 Swiss nationals living in the region.

Article: The Federal Council launches a strategy focused on South East Asia

Press release: Federal Council adopts 2023–26 South East Asia Strategy

Publication: South East Asia Strategy

The Federal Council adopted its strategy on the Americas at its meeting of 16 February 2022. Five priorities have been identified, and Switzerland has defined objectives and measures for each of these during the 2022–25 period. These objectives are based on Switzerland's foreign policy strategy, which sets out four thematic focus areas: peace and security, prosperity, sustainability, and digitalisation.

Article: Switzerland presents its Americas Strategy

Press release: Federal Council adopts Americas Strategy

Publication: Americas Strategy (german)

On 14 October 2020, the Federal Council adopted a strategy for the entire Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the first time. This provides a framework for all Swiss foreign policy activities in the MENA region during the 2021–24 period. The strategy builds on Switzerland's long-standing commitment to conflict prevention, humanitarian aid and development cooperation. It also identifies opportunities for Swiss businesses, seeks to harness the potential of a well-trained young workforce and promotes digitalisation and new technologies.

Article: A new strategy for the MENA region

Press release: Middle East and North Africa: a new strategy in Swiss foreign policy

Publication: MENA Strategy

Africa is becoming increasingly relevant and presents new opportunities despite major challenges. On 13 January 2021, the Federal Council adopted the Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy through which it intends to implement the Foreign Policy Strategy in the countries south of the Sahara. For the first time, Switzerland is consolidating the various policy areas into a coherent overall approach. The aim is broad-based cooperation with its African partners on an equal footing.

Article: "New opportunities are emerging in Sub-Saharan Africa"

Press release: Sub-Saharan Africa: a new strategy in Swiss foreign policy

Publication: Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy

China has developed rapidly in recent years, both economically and politically, and is now one of the world's leading powers. The country is Switzerland's third largest trading partner and the largest in Asia. With the intensification of relations, the number of actors in Switzerland who maintain contacts with China is steadily increasing. At the same time, there are also clear differences in values between Switzerland and China. With the strategy, the Federal Council defines its China policy for the next four years.

Article: "A balanced, coherent and coordinated approach to China"

Press release: Diversified relations, constructively critical dialogue – Federal Council adopts China Strategy

Publication: China Strategy