After New York and Vienna, NATO is now seeking to strengthen its ties with international organisations in Geneva too. To this end, it announced in summer 2023 its intention to open a liaison office in Geneva.
Switzerland is facilitating this office's establishment in its capacity as a host state. In this context, Mr Perrez, head of the FDFA’s Directorate of International Law and Mr Swords, legal adviser and director of NATO's Office of Legal Affairs, signed a headquarters agreement in Bern today. The agreement governs matters including the legal status of the liaison office, as well as privileges and immunities. It was concluded on the basis of Switzerland's Host State Act.
Switzerland received the official request from NATO to open a liaison office at the end of 2023. After the Federal Council approved the opening of such an office, the FDFA was instructed to work out the next steps in cooperation with NATO. After consulting the Cantons of Geneva and Vaud, the Federal Council approved the signing of the headquarters agreement on 26 June 2024.
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
