Bilateral relations Switzerland–Marshall Islands
Switzerland and the Republic of the Marshall Islands have maintained bilateral relations since 2003. Government contacts mainly take place within the framework of multilateral conferences.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland pursues four main strands of cooperation with all of the Pacific island states:
- International Geneva: Switzerland offers all Pacific island states financial and logistical support to establish a permanent mission to the UN and to the other international organisations in Geneva. A permanent mission provides the small island states with opportunities to voice their concerns and interests to the international community.
- Multilateral organisations: through organisations such as the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund and others, the Pacific region indirectly benefits from Swiss funding, particularly in the area of climate change.
- Individual projects in human security, human rights and humanitarian aid: Switzerland has a Humanitarian Aid Hub in Bangkok, which can provide emergency aid in the event of natural disasters such as hurricanes in the Pacific states.
- Small-scale projects through the Swiss embassies in Wellington, Canberra and Manila.
The Swiss embassy in Manila is in charge of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the Marshall Islands.
In 2019, the Marshall Islands opened a representation in Geneva, with logistical support provided by Switzerland. This is the Marshall Islands' first permanent mission based in Europe.
Switzerland has also assisted the Marshall Islands in storing the records of the Marshall Islands Nuclear Claims Tribunal. The Swiss Federal Archives are responsible for storing digital copies of the records for backup purposes.
