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.
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.
24.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne this morning in Bern. The official working visit took place against the backdrop of a shared intention on the part of Switzerland and Canada to intensify their bilateral relations. The two foreign ministers spoke of their countries' strong relations and discussed many other topical international issues such as the crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation in Lebanon.
19.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
In a landmark decision in the fight against climate change, on 19 August 2020 the Federal Council approved a USD 150 million contribution to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) over the next four years. The GCF helps developing countries implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by funding their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
19.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
Humanitarian challenges in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the focus of the 2020 Annual Conference of Swiss Humanitarian Aid, which this year will take place online from 1.30pm to 3pm on 20 August. This free event will take you behind the scenes of Swiss Humanitarian Aid at head office in Bern.
14.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
The immense scale of the explosion in the Lebanese capital on 4 August has severely affected the country's health system. On 13 and 14 August 2020, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs sent more Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit experts to Beirut.
14.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met today with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who was on an official visit to Bern. The two foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to build on the good bilateral relations between the two countries. "Turkey is a very important partner for Switzerland, and we intend to pursue an open and constructive dialogue," said Mr Cassis. He also offered Turkey Switzerland's good offices, for example to find a resolution to the Cyprus issue. The ministers also discussed the international crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the situation in Libya.
12.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
In 2019, the Federal Administration received 478 declarations from companies wishing to provide, from Switzerland, private security services abroad, according to the annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad. The competent authority initiated a review procedure in 26 cases. The Federal Council took note of the report at its meeting on 12 August 2020.
12.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
Bern, 12.08.2020 – On 12 August 2020, the Federal Council adopted a voluntary report on the implementation of international humanitarian law by Switzerland. Seventy-one years after the adoption on 12 August 1949 of the Geneva Conventions, Switzerland is one of the first states to do so. Respecting, strengthening and promoting international humanitarian law are written into Switzerland's DNA. Switzerland intends to set an example and encourage other states to take similar initiatives. This would foster dialogue among states in order to improve the protection of victims of conflicts worldwide.
12.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 12 August, the Federal Council took the decision to re-allow events for more than 1000 people from 1 October. Strict protective measures will apply and the events will have to be authorised by the cantons, taking into account the local epidemiological situation and their contact tracing capacity. The Federal Council thereby intends to ensure that the epidemiological situation in Switzerland does not deteriorate. At the same time, this careful reopening step takes into account the needs of society and the economic interests of sports clubs and cultural venues.
11.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
After the presidential elections, the authorities in Belarus have responded to popular protests with force. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is deeply concerned about the tense situation and calls on the Belarusian authorities to exercise restraint and allow peaceful demonstrations.
06.08.2020
—
Press release
EDA
A team of Swiss specialists including civil engineers and logistics experts travelled to Beirut on 6 August 2020 in response to an international appeal for help from the Lebanese authorities following the devastating explosion.
31.07.2020
—
Press release
EDA
To mark Swiss National Day on 1 August, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, paid a surprise visit to the more than 400 young people at a summer camp at the National Youth Sports Centre in Tenero, Ticino. Mr Cassis expressed his pride and confidence in the young people from all of Switzerland's language regions. Their joy of playing and their urge to be active are a symbol of the joie de vivre of a country that is looking ahead after a long period of lockdown.
29.07.2020
—
Press release
EDA
In this exceptional year, the FDFA is organising 'Mission August 1st' as an online celebration of Swiss National Day for Swiss people living abroad.