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.
Press release
All news (2832)
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis holds official working meeting with Foreign Minister Katrin Eggenberger in Vaduz
25.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met on 25 September 2020 with Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger during an official visit to the Principality of Liechtenstein. The two foreign ministers discussed cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues. That evening, Mr Ignazio Cassis will give a speech on Swiss foreign policy to a group of business leaders. Mr Ignazio Cassis also met with H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein.
President Sommaruga at the virtual 75th session of the UN General Assembly
24.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 23 September, during the ministerial week of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, outlined Switzerland’s priorities. This year’s event, which marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, is taking place via video link, owing to the ongoing pandemic.
With Swiss support: Political parties in Georgia sign code of conduct for peaceful elections
14.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 14 september 2020, several political parties in Georgia have signed a code of conduct to promote peaceful elections and a fair election campaign. Switzerland encourages all political parties to sign this document. The code was facilitated by Georgia's Central Election Commission with Switzerland's support. The parliamentary elections scheduled for 31 October 2020 constitute an important milestone for democracy in the South Caucasus nation.
Federal Council presents ways to involve Parliament during Switzerland's prospective term on UN Security Council
11.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2023–24 period. At its meeting on 11 September 2020, the Federal Council took note of a report outlining ways for Parliament to be involved during Switzerland's Security Council membership. The proposed options take account of the constitutional division of powers and the Federal Council's ability to conduct foreign policy. The government report fulfils a postulate from the Council of States Foreign Affairs Committee.
Coronavirus: No quarantine for persons entering from border regions
11.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 11 September, the Federal Council decided on the quarantine rules for persons entering Switzerland from neighbouring countries: only those regions of neighbouring countries where the infection rate is over the limit will be added to the list of countries and areas with an increased rate of infection, not the entire country. Border regions may be exempted from inclusion on the list. In so doing, the Federal Council is responding to the rapid rise in infection numbers, while still taking account of the close interaction between Switzerland and neighbouring regions. The revised ordinance will come into force on 14 September. At the same time, the list of risk areas will be updated.
Switzerland and Uzbekistan sign an agreement with a view to the restitution of confiscated assets
11.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland and Uzbekistan have signed a framework agreement with a view to the restitution of confiscated assets to Uzbekistan. The agreement relates on the one hand to assets of some USD 131 million already definitively confiscated in one of the criminal proceedings in connection with Gulnara Karimova, daughter of the former Uzbek president. On the other hand, it also relates to any further assets that may be definitively confiscated in the future under the still ongoing criminal proceedings. The agreement sets out the principles and stages for the restitution. The assets shall be used for the benefit of the people of Uzbekistan.
Federal Council sets four Swiss priorities for UN General Assembly's 75th session
11.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
In summer, the Federal Council set the priorities for the UN General Assembly. At its meeting of 11 September 2020, it was informed about the Foreign Affairs Committees’ consultation. The priorities include one concerning global efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly at the end of September will take place via video conference, with President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, representing Switzerland.
UNIDO Director General visits Bern
09.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis welcomed the director general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO, LI Yong, to Bern on Wednesday, 9 September 2020. The agenda for the official working visit includes the impact of the coronavirus crisis and the measures taken, as well as the ongoing reform of the United Nations.
UNHCR: Switzerland donates masks for relief work on the ground
08.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
A global pandemic does not only pose a threat to people. It is also a major obstacle for humanitarian aid. If protective equipment is not available, it is not possible to provide assistance on the ground. Swiss Humanitarian Aid is therefore donating three million face masks in response to this problem and in order to protect the people working on the front lines. The consignment was handed over to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday, 08 September 2020.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis draws a positive assessment of his visit to Tehran
07.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif during an official visit to Tehran. Their discussions focused on Switzerland's protecting power mandates and efforts to ensure the region's stability. As the two countries celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, they also discussed cooperation in the fields of trade, science and human rights. Mr Cassis underlined that Switzerland and Iran have a long-standing relationship based on trust.
Swiss Humanitarian Aid completes rapid response mission in Beirut: 80 buildings inspected, numerous schools and hospitals repaired
04.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Over the past month, 38 experts deployed by the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) have been working in the Lebanese capital to assist in the immediate aftermath of the explosion on 4 August 2020. They have examined the stability of damaged buildings, supported maternal and child health care in two hospitals and helped to repair 19 schools. Swiss Humanitarian Aid's rapid response mission comes to an end on 5 September, with further support measures entrusted to the Swiss cooperation office at the Swiss embassy in Beirut.
Presentation of credentials
01.09.2020
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Press release
EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland
