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Press release

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.

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Federal Council outlines priorities for UN General Assembly 76th session

17.09.2021 — Press release EDA
In summer, the Federal Council set the priorities for the UN General Assembly. At its meeting of 17 September 2021, it was informed about the Foreign Affairs Committees’ consultation. The priorities are Switzerland's candidacy for the UN Security Council, sustainable development and dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current cybersecurity and cybercrime processes within the UN. This includes bolstering International Geneva's role in the areas of cyber and digitalisation. Switzerland will be represented at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly at the end of September in New York by President of the Confederation Parmelin and Federal Councillor Cassis, head of the FDFA. Pandemic-related restrictions will also apply to this year's event.

Coronavirus: New rules for entry to Switzerland and for people vaccinated abroad to access the COVID certificate

17.09.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council wants to prevent an increase in the number of infections caused by people returning from the autumn holidays. From Monday 20 September, travellers entering Switzerland who have not been vaccinated or have not recovered from COVID-19 will have to present a negative test result. They will then have to be tested again after four to seven days. This was decided by the Federal Council at its meeting on 17 September. The Federal Council has also set out details of how people who have been vaccinated abroad or have recovered abroad can obtain a COVID certificate.

Horizon Europe: Federal Council submits transitional measures to Parliament for non-accessible programme components

17.09.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland will be treated as a non-associated third country in Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and related programmes and initiatives until further notice. Under this status, researchers in Switzerland can still participate in most collaboration projects, but are excluded from individual projects. On 17 September, the Federal Council therefore decided to initiate transitional measures until Switzerland achieves its stated aim of full association.

Ignazio Cassis receives Yemeni foreign minister in Geneva

13.09.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Yemen, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, in Geneva on 13 September. The official meeting focused on the humanitarian situation in Yemen, ceasefire prospects and the resumption of the political process. Under its MENA Strategy 2021–24 and the Cooperation Strategy for Yemen 2017–21, Switzerland is working for the protection of the civilian population in Yemen and supporting the UN peace efforts.

Afghanistan: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends ministerial meeting in Geneva

13.09.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, took part in a UN conference on Afghanistan in Geneva today. The international community convened to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and respond to the country's grave humanitarian needs. In view of the emergency situation, Switzerland plans to allocate an additional CHF 33 million in humanitarian aid. Mr Cassis held bilateral talks on the margins of the conference with various officials, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Science diplomacy: Switzerland supports dialogue to create research centre in south-eastern Europe

13.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On Monday 13 September, Switzerland hosted a high-level conference in Bern as part of the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST) project. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the conference alongside seven ministers and representatives from ten countries of south-eastern Europe. The SEEIIST project seeks to develop a regional centre of excellence in south-eastern Europe for biomedical research into cancer therapy. At the event, the head of the FDFA restated Switzerland's readiness to facilitate dialogue between the various partner countries for the creation of such a facility.

Earthquake in Haiti: Switzerland ends its emergency aid and takes part in reconstruction activities

10.09.2021 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit's (SHA) emergency operations following the earthquake that hit Haiti on 14 August have ended. The activities on the ground helped restore access to drinking water, deliver relief goods and assess the structural soundness of buildings to avoid any risk of collapse in various towns. This aid reached over 20,000 people. The Swiss cooperation office, which has long been active in the country, is taking over and will continue its support projects on a long-term basis.

Resumption of high-level personal contacts with Romania

09.09.2021 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 9 September, the Romanian president Klaus Iohannis met with President Guy Parmelin during an official visit to Switzerland. The discussions at Lohn Manor were also attended by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu. The talks focused on economic and scientific cooperation, the European policies of both countries and international security issues.

Afghanistan: Switzerland increases its humanitarian aid on the ground

08.09.2021 — Press release EDA
At its meeting of 8 September 2021, the Federal Council decided to step up its humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan. It approved an additional contribution of CHF 33 million to bolster aid on the ground. Switzerland is, with this contribution, supporting the suffering population in Afghanistan with around CHF 60 million over the next 16 months.

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Last update 29.01.2020