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Official working visit to Budapest by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey

16.06.2009 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), travelled to Budapest today to meet her new Hungarian counterpart, Péter Balázs, for an official working visit. The focus of their talks was on bilateral relations and co-operation between the two countries in international organisations, European co-operation and current international issues. A declaration of intent was also signed during this visit.

Ambassador Peter Maurer elected as president the Budget Committee of the UN General Assembly

10.06.2009 — Press release EDA
On 10 June 2009, Ambassador Peter Maurer, head of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York, was elected as president of the 5th. Committee of the 64th UN General Assembly. This is the first time that Switzerland has presided over one of the main committees of the United Nations General Assembly.

Enlargement contribution to Bulgaria and Romania: Federal Council sends dispatch to parliament

05.06.2009 — Press release EDA
On 5 June 2009 the Federal Council sent the Dispatch on the Credit Facility for the Enlargement Contribution in favour of Bulgaria and Romania to parliament. Switzerland’s contribution to reducing economic and social disparities totals CHF 257m over a five-year period.

Switzerland to take part in world exhibition 2012 in South Korea

05.06.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has decided that Switzerland will take part in the category B world exhibition in Yeosu, South Korea, in 2012. Switzerland has accepted the invitation that it officially received from South Korea in a diplomatic note dated 3 February 2009.

Switzerland welcomes the adoption of a programme of work at the Geneva Disarmament Conference (last modification, the 04.06.2009)

04.06.2009 — Press release EDA
The 65 members of the Geneva Disarmament Conference (CD) today adopted a programme of work by consensus. Switzerland welcomes this development, which is important for Geneva's role as a venue for international disarmament negotiations.

The FDFA strongly condemns the probable killing of the British hostage in Mali

03.06.2009 — Press release EDA
With deep dismay, grief and outrage the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has learned of the probable killing of the British hostage who has been in captivity in Mali since 22 January 2009. The FDFA continues to focus all its efforts on the release of the remaining hostage, a Swiss citizen.

Visit to Libya by Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey

29.05.2009 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), visited Libya from 27 to 29 May 2009. The main purpose of this visit was to meet the two Swiss citizens who have been detained in Libya for 300 days and are not permitted to leave the country. Mrs Calmy-Rey was accompanied on her visit by the wives of the two detained Swiss citizens and by a doctor.

Switzerland condemns the nuclear test carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

27.05.2009 — Press release EDA
North Korea has announced that it carried out a new underground nuclear test on 25 May 2009. Switzerland condemns the test as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, as a threat to peace and security in the region, and as an affront to the efforts of the international community to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Inauguration of a bilateral political dialogue Switzerland - Japan

26.05.2009 — Press release EDA
Today, Tuesday 26 May 2009, an official meeting took place in Bern between the Japanese Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kenichiro SASAE and the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Michael Ambühl.

Switzerland calls on the parties in Sri Lanka to engage in political dialogue

19.05.2009 — Press release EDA
The Swiss government welcomes the end of the armed conflict in the north of Sri Lanka. Switzerland deeply regrets that this conflict which has lasted for decades has caused countless deaths and that tens of thousands of internally displaced persons have been deprived of their livelihoods.

Switzerland appeals to release all Political Prisoners in Myanmar

15.05.2009 — Press release EDA
The Swiss government is concerned about reports of deterioration in the state of health of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her transfer to a prison. The Swiss Government appeals to the Government of Myanmar to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners in the country, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Reception of the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Bern

14.05.2009 — Press release EDA
Today President Merz received the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on a visit to Bern. Along with bilateral relations, topics of discussion focussed on the European policies of both countries, the impact of the financial crisis on Switzerland and the Ukraine and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Media (2412)

Official working visit to Bern by the Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Jandroković

21.01.2010 — Press release EDA
On 21 January 2010, the Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, received the Croatian Foreign Minister, Gordan Jandroković, for a working visit. The talks covered issues including bilateral and international relations, Croatia’s EU prospects, and Switzerland’s chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. In addition, two treaties were signed.

Swiss aid to Haiti

21.01.2010 — Press release EDA
A team from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) was already on its way to Haiti within 10 hours after the devastating earthquake struck on 12 January. In the capital, Port-au-Prince, its first task was to reinforce the experts at the SDC Programme Office. In the meantime, the team in Haiti and the Dominican Republic has been expanded to more than 50 members.

Switzerland welcomes the moratorium on capital punishment in Mongolia

18.01.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland weclomes the moratorium on capital punishment announced by the Mongolian President Elbegdorj on 14 January 2010.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey in Tbilisi for discussions

17.01.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Chairperson of the Committee of Ministers, was in Georgia on 16 and 17 January for discussions with representatives of the authorities, political parties and civil society. Her main purpose was to obtain first-hand information about the progress of reforms and the consequences of the August 2008 conflict. Mrs Calmy-Rey expressed satisfaction with these constructive discussions and noted that, while reforms had made progress, the work started needed to be continued. She assured Georgia of the Council of Europe’s continuing support.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey in Moscow for talks

17.01.2010 — Press release EDA
Swiss Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow for talks on Sunday. The two Ministers discussed bilateral and international topics including Switzerland’s representation of Georgian and Russian interests in the framework of its protection mandates and questions relating to Switzerland’s Chairmanship of the Council of Europe.

Earthquake in Haiti: Switzerland Sends 18 Member Emergency Team

13.01.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has decided to deploy immediately to Haiti an emergency rapid deployment team of 18 persons. Humanitarian aid shipments are also in preparation.

New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps

13.01.2010 — Press release EDA
President Doris Leuthard today greeted representatives of the diplomatic corps in Switzerland at the traditional New Year’s reception at the Federal Palace.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey pays working visits to Ljubljana, Tiflis and Moskau

12.01.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel to Ljubljana on Friday for a bilateral meeting with the Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar. On Saturday and Sunday she will hold talks in Tiflis in her capacity as president of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. She will have a working meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Sunday.

Success for Switzerland in the UN Security Council

17.12.2009 — Press release EDA
On 17 December 2009, the United Nations Security Council decided to create the Office of an Ombudsperson as a contact point for persons affected by the anti-terror sanctions of the UN Security Council. This decision is largely to be attributed to an initiative by Switzerland, which for several years has demanded improved rights for persons affected by these sanctions.

Former Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss named official candidate for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly

15.12.2009 — Press release EDA
The western regional group within the United Nations agreed yesterday to name former Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss as its official candidate for the office of president of the 65th General Assembly. The proposal of the western regional group must still be confirmed by the General Assembly.

Official working visit by the Georgian Foreign Minister, Grigol Vashadze, to Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey

14.12.2009 — Press release EDA
On 14 December 2009, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Georgian Foreign Minister, Grigol Vashadze, for an official working visit in Von-Wattenwyl-Haus in Bern. The talks covered among other matters bilateral relations and the situation in Georgia.

Federal Council requests approval of the EU agreement on easing customs formalities and customs security

27.11.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has approved the dispatch on adopting and implementing the Agreement between Switzerland and the EU on easing customs formalities and customs security for the attention of parliament. The agreement makes provision for integrating Switzerland's customs security measures with those of the EU. In this way obstacles to the bilateral movement of goods will be avoided. The agreement has been applied provisionally since 1 July 2009.

Other news (280)

FDFA calls for end to violence and new elections in Bolivia

11.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is closely following recent political developments in Bolivia with concern and calls for new elections to reflect the political will of the people. The FDFA stands ready to support Bolivia in preparing for such elections.

International Law Day 2019: FDFA Directorate of International Law launches discussion on 'soft law'

08.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA Directorate of International Law (DIL) held its annual International Law Day on 8 November. This year’s event focused on soft law. The event provided an opportunity to discuss this topical issue in the presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and a broad audience, and in particular to consider how to better involve Parliament in soft law matters.

Swiss woman injured in Jordan

06.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is assisting a Swiss woman wounded in a knife attack on 6 November in the Jordanian city of Jerash. She has received medical treatment and her life is not in danger. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was informed directly by his counterpart, Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi, who reassured him that the Swiss tourist is being cared for in Jordan.

FDFA notes resignation of UNRWA Commissioner-General

06.11.2019 — EDA
The United Nations (UN) has announced the resignation of the Commissioner-General for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Pierre Krähenbühl. The announcement follows the launch of an investigation into misconduct allegations involving UNRWA's management. The FDFA notes the resignation and calls for a full and thorough clarification of the facts. Switzerland will withhold payment of its project contributions pending the outcome of the investigation.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization

05.11.2019 — EDA
Switzerland ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) precisely 20 years ago. To mark the occasion, Federal Councillor and Head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis met with the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Lassina Zerbo, in Bern. During the meeting, Mr Cassis emphasised the CTBT’s indispensable role in building a world without nuclear weapons. The CTBTO works closely with scientific institutions, including the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich in Davos, to monitor compliance with the ban. These monitoring activities are also an example of how science and diplomacy can work together to solve political problems.

Swiss expert Marcel Jullier re-elected to UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions

01.11.2019 — EDA
The UN General Assembly has re-elected Swiss expert Marcel Jullier for a second three-year term on the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions. Mr Jullier is a specialist in accounting and controlling. His re-election also advances Switzerland's efforts for adequate Swiss representation in international organisations.

Switzerland commits to the French language as a diplomatic instrument and supports reforms by the new Secretary General of La Francophonie

31.10.2019 — EDA
FDFA Head Ignazio Cassis attended the 36th Francophonie Ministerial Conference in Monaco on 30 and 31 October. As the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year in Tunis, the foreign ministers of its member states and governments have decided to refocus the organisation on its main missions, in particular its values (peace, the rule of law and democracy) and the promotion and defence of the French language.

Ignazio Cassis attends Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Monaco

29.10.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will attend the annual Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie in Monaco on 30 and 31 October. This will be an opportunity to review the work of the International Organisation of La Francophonie as it prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Celebrating 25 years of the World Conference on Women in Beijing: Switzerland is strongly committed to equal pay and combating domestic violence

28.10.2019 — EDA
On 29 and 30 October 2019, Geneva will be transformed into a platform for an international exchange on gender equality and women's rights as the host of the European preparatory conference for the global review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The two-day event is taking place within the framework of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Switzerland will play a key role, with both a Swiss delegation participating in the debates and State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl co-chairing the conference.

Zunft zu Rebleuten 2019 (de)

26.10.2019 — EDA
Riehen, 26.10.2019 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Ignazio Cassis meets China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Bern to discuss bilateral cooperation, human rights and multilateralism

22.10.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis met China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi on 22 October 2019, as the two countries gear up to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore issues of current interest to both countries. The meeting builds on the strategic dialogue established between Switzerland and China in 2017 and follows on from Mr Cassis visit to Beijing in April 2018.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen to discuss a political solution to the Syrian conflict

21.10.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis has met with the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in Bern to discuss the situation in Syria and possible ways of finding a political solution. They conferred about the most recent escalation of the conflict in north-eastern Syria and the upcoming first meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee in Geneva by the end of the month. Switzerland provides humanitarian support for the people of Syria and neighbouring countries.

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