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Czech President Petr Pavel to pay state visit to Switzerland

29.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Next week the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, will receive the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, for a state visit. The Federal Council’s invitation to President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová reflects the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In addition to shared values and vibrant political, economic and cultural exchanges, the two countries share close personal and historical ties.

International humanitarian law: FDFA head opens the 34th International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent

28.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Bolstering humanitarian action and respect for international humanitarian law are the objectives of the conference in Geneva. Every four years, the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent brings together representatives of the states party to the Geneva Conventions and the movement's organisations: the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

New technologies helping to search for missing persons in Serbia and Kosovo

25.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
A group of experts from the School of Criminal Sciences at the University of Lausanne has travelled to Serbia and Kosovo under a mandate conferred by the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. It will assess the possible deployment of laser and radar technology to search for missing persons. The mission is taking place between 14 and 25 October.

Middle East and Ukraine are focus of Ignazio Cassis' trip to North America

25.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will spend two days in the United States and Canada on 29 and 30 October 2024. As part of Switzerland's October presidency of the UN Security Council, he will chair a high-level debate on the Middle East in New York on 29 October. From there, he will travel on to Montreal, where a follow-up conference to the June 2024 Summit for Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort will be held on 30 October. In Montreal, the focus will be on humanitarian aspects in connection with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mr. Cassis will hold bilateral talks in Montreal, including with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Election of Barbara Bernath to Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture

24.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA welcomes the election of Barbara Bernath on Thursday 24 October 2024 to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT). The SPT monitors the conditions of detention and the treatment of detained persons in states that are party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT).

Federal Council adopts second voluntary report on international humanitarian law implementation by Switzerland

23.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 23 October 2024, the Federal Council adopted Switzerland's second voluntary report on its implementation of international humanitarian law (IHL), against a very different global backdrop from when the first report was published. The implementation of IHL is essential in order to preserve a minimum of humanity in armed conflicts. Switzerland's commitment to IHL remains steadfast despite today's changing world.

New Swiss ambassadors

23.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for several Swiss representations abroad in 2024/2025, at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

Presentation of credentials

22.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chairs meeting on the opportunities and risks that new technologies pose for peace

18.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 21 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will chair a UN Security Council meeting on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Rapid advances in new technologies bring great opportunities, but also risks, which need to be identified early to facilitate appropriate responses. 'Building sustainable peace' is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Security Council membership (2023–24).

Humanitarian mine clearance: Confederation establishes comprehensive partnership with Ukraine’s civil protection service and Swiss mine clearance company

17.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
In order to reduce the danger posed by mines and other explosive ordnance in Ukraine, the Swiss government is supporting Ukraine’s civil protection service through a partnership with the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS). The partnership involves supplying three mine clearance systems to Ukraine alongside a comprehensive training, mentoring and logistics package. The package, which amounts to CHF 4.6 million, is being funded by the federal government and underlines the importance of humanitarian mine clearance for the country’s recovery.

International appeal for humanitarian demining in Ukraine adopted in Lausanne

17.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
The first day of the Ukraine Mine Action Conference 2024 ended today with the presentation of the Lausanne Call for Action, which reaffirms the support of the majority of the countries present for humanitarian demining in Ukraine and around the world. The appeal calls for the needs of victims and disabled people to be addressed and promoting partnership and innovation to increase effectiveness in mine action. The conference, held in Lausanne at the EHL Hospitality Business School, brings together representatives of states, international organisations and partners in humanitarian demining.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Brazil

15.10.2024 — Press releases EDA
Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, met with the deputy foreign minister of Brazil, Maria Laura da Rocha, in Brasilia. The political consultations centred on bilateral relations, issues relating to economic and security policy, respect for human rights and cooperation to protect the environment.

Media (3407)

Official working visit by Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People's Republic of China, Mr Ding Xuexiang

20.01.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 20 January 2025, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Vice President of the Federal Council and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), welcomed Mr Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of the State Affairs Council of the People's Republic of China, in Bern for an official working visit. Switzerland and the People's Republic of China are currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the 2025 WEF Annual Meeting

17.01.2025 — Press releases EDA
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place in Davos next week. Six members of the Federal Council will be attending the event. President Karin Keller-Sutter will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab on Tuesday, 21 January.

Presentation of credentials

14.01.2025 — Press releases EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

Switzerland to chair the OSCE in 2026

30.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
In 2026, Switzerland will chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for the third time, following its chairpersonships in 1996 and 2014. Switzerland was elected by the participating states of the organisation in a secret ballot. It will assume first executive functions already from 1 January 2025: as a member of the troika – comprising the 2024 (Malta), 2025 (Finland) and 2026 (Switzerland) chairs – it will be responsible for relations with the Mediterranean states, among other things.

Federal Council adopts its new Africa Strategy 2025–28

20.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted its new Africa strategy. For the first time, the strategy covers all regions of the continent, setting out objectives and measures that Switzerland intends to implement in the 2025–28 period. The strategy prioritises peace and security, prosperity and competitiveness, the environment, and democracy and governance. It also sets out the objective of building relations with African countries using a partnership-based approach to cooperation.

New Swiss ambassadors

20.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Personnel changes and the conferment of ambassadorial titles will take place in 2025 at several Swiss representations and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) as part of the FDFA's periodic transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.

Switzerland and the European Union welcome outcome of negotiations

20.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
President Viola Amherd and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen met in Bern on Friday, 20 December, to mark the conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union. They welcomed the outcome of the negotiations and discussed current issues regarding European policy and global developments.

Federal Council takes note of substantive conclusion of Swiss–EU negotiations

20.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2024, the Federal Council took note with satisfaction the material conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). It noted that the Swiss delegation, led by chief negotiator Patric Franzen, has met the objectives set under the negotiating mandate. The Federal Council has instructed the relevant departments to undertake the preparatory work needed to formally conclude negotiations.

Switzerland submits candidature to chair OSCE in 2026

19.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Today, Switzerland’s official candidature for the 2026 OSCE chairpersonship was transmitted by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to the current OSCE chair, Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg. Numerous countries have approached Switzerland to assume the chairpersonship for a third time. Given the particularly difficult geopolitical times that currently prevail, which also pose major challenges for the OSCE, the Swiss candidature underscores the fact that the only way to bring about peaceful and sustainable solutions to crises is through dialogue and cooperation.

Switzerland takes on protecting power mandate for Ecuador and Venezuela

19.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
At the request of the Ecuadorian government, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in relation to Venezuela. On 19 December 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis signed the applicable agreement with Ecuador's ambassador to Switzerland, Verónica Bustamante Ponce. In taking on this role, Switzerland is ensuring that diplomatic and consular channels between the two countries remain open. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed following the Venezuelan presidential elections in July 2024. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries had been building prior to this.

New winter support package for Ukraine: Switzerland helping to repair destroyed homes and energy infrastructure

18.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
Due to the intensified Russian attacks, large parts of the Ukrainian population are suffering from cuts to power and heating. Switzerland is helping Ukraine to cope with the challenges of winter with almost CHF 45 million. The funds will be used to restore energy infrastructure, renovate damaged homes and meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Federal Council adopts Digital Switzerland Strategy 2025

13.12.2024 — Press releases EDA
On 13 December, the Federal Council adopted the updated Digital Switzerland Strategy for 2025 and selected new focus themes, thereby setting its current priorities.

Other news (300)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

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.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

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.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

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.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

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

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

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.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

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

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

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.

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

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.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

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).

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

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.

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

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.

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