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75 years of the United Nations: Switzerland gifts Geneva an artwork by Saype and presents its slogan for Security Council candidacy: ‘A PLUS FOR PEACE’

26.06.2020 — Press release EDA
‘A PLUS FOR PEACE’ is Switzerland’s slogan for its candidacy for a seat on the Security Council in 2023-24. This was announced today by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter. To mark the anniversary, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by the Director-General of UN Geneva, Tatiana Valovaya, presented a biodegradeable fresco by the artist Saype in the park of the Palais des Nations.

Resumption of mobility and bilateral and cross-border cooperation at heart of Federal Councillor Cassis’ Geneva visit

26.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Today in Geneva, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Minister of State, attached to the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. During this final stage of Mr Cassis' 'border tour', after visits to Ticino and Kreuzlingen, the main talking points were the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation during the coronavirus crisis and the resumption of mobility across the Franco-Swiss border. European policy issues were also discussed.

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

Berlin process on Libya: Switzerland to co-chair working group on international humanitarian law and human rights

23.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has been given an important role in the search for a peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis. Within the framework of the Berlin process, it will co-chair the working group on respect for international humanitarian law and human rights alongside the Netherlands and the United Nations. The Berlin process was launched in January 2020 to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Libya. This new mandate for Switzerland is consistent with its peace policy activities in Libya and furthers the objectives of its Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23 in regard to peace and security.

Presentation of credentials

23.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

Switzerland extends its support to combat COVID-19 in the Middle East

23.06.2020 — Press release EDA
The situation in the Middle East is deteriorating as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. The pandemic is having a severe impact on the people of the region. In response to the growing needs, Switzerland is providing CHF 2 million in additional funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Switzerland organises relief flight to Venezuela

19.06.2020 — Press release EDA
An aircraft chartered by Switzerland carrying mainly medical supplies has reached Caracas. Nine different partner organisations brought the materials to Switzerland where they were unloaded and transported to Venezuela by the Humanitarian Aid Department of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The aid has been sent in response to Venezuela's humanitarian crisis and to help them combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

More effective support for disabled people in humanitarian emergencies

19.06.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 19 June 2020, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's endorsement of the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action. This is in line with Switzerland's humanitarian policy and reaffirms its efforts to facilitate access to relief aid for disabled people and to make provisions for their particular needs.

Colombia: Swiss hostage is free

18.06.2020 — Press release EDA
A Swiss citizen, who had been in the hands of Colombian hostage-takers for almost three months, has been freed on Thursday 18 June 2020. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has taken note of this news with relief and thanks the Colombian authorities, in particular the Colombian armed forces, for their support.

Call for action: Switzerland supports education in emergencies

18.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Over 90 percent of schoolchildren and students have been unable to attend school due to COVID-19. This is a particular problem in developing countries and conflict regions, where schools, in addition to providing education, also offer a safe environment that fosters their physical and mental development. Switzerland is setting an example: Together with partner organizations, it is calling on the international community to strengthen education in emergencies.

Kreuzlingen: Ignazio Cassis stresses importance of open borders

17.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today in Kreuzlingen, on the Swiss side of Lake Constance, with Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, Liechtenstein's Foreign Minister Katrin Eggenberger, Deputy Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Thomas Strobl and representatives of the International Lake Constance Conference Günther Eberle, Director of the State Government Office of Vorarlberg, and Walter Schönholzer, President of the Cantonal Council of Thurgau. The talks focused on the reopening of borders within Europe, cooperation during the coronavirus crisis and other European policy issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio in Ticino

16.06.2020 — Press release EDA
Following the reopening of borders within Europe, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has met the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Luigi Di Maio in Ticino. Together with his Italian counterpart, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) highlighted the good cooperation between Switzerland and Italy in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed solidarity and encouragement to the people living on either side of the Italian-Swiss border.

Media (2628)

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey travels to India for a Meeting with Ministers

24.08.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey will meet for talks in New Delhi on Monday with high representatives of the Indian government. The discussions will focus on bilateral issues, e.g., in the domains of finance and science, as well as on regional and international themes.

Ambassadors Conference 2010

23.08.2010 — Press release EDA
The 2010 Ambassadors Conference starts today in Interlaken. In her opening speech, Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, said that the days when each country could resolve its problems alone were past. Calling for international cooperation, she explained that this certainly did not mean a loss of independence or an abandonment of sovereignty.

Pakistan: drinking water for 250,000 people

23.08.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is stepping up its aid for Pakistan. In several regions the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is launching projects for the disinfection and distribution of drinking water. About 250,000 people are expected to benefit from this. International organisations will receive further support, and in cooperation with the Swiss Red Cross, tents will be distributed to 5,000 people.

Switzerland increases aid for Pakistan

13.08.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has increased its emergency aid contributions for flood victims in Pakistan. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs now reckons with a long-term deployment in Pakistan. Four employees of the Swiss humanitarian aid unit (SHA) will set off for the crisis regions this weekend.

SDC Coordinator’s Workshop in Lugano: development cooperation in time of global change

13.08.2010 — Press release EDA
Those in charge of Swiss development cooperation at home and abroad are set to meet at the SDC Coordinators’ Workshop, on 15-18 August, 2010, in Lugano. At the top of the agenda is the strategic direction of Swiss development cooperation in a changing global environment. The Swiss foreign minister, Micheline Calmy-Rey, will also take part in discussions.

FDFA employee Markus Müller to head OSCE police advisory group in Kyrgyzstan

12.08.2010 — Press release EDA
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has appointed the Swiss national Markus Müller as head of the Police Advisory Group in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday. The FDFA welcomes this appointment.

Switzerland helps thousands of flood victims in Pakistan

10.08.2010 — Press release EDA
The situation in Pakistan remains desperate. Switzerland is helping the flood victims by supplying materials and making contributions to international organisations.

Switzerland is helping Russia to fight the fires

10.08.2010 — Press release EDA
There is no sign of an early end to the fires ravaging Russia. Given the continuing dry weather, a worsening of the situation is likely. Switzerland is supporting Russia in its attempts to combat the fires.

Federal councillor Calmy-Rey appointed to the Global Sustainability Panel by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

09.08.2010 — Press release EDA
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has established a special panel for global sustainability. Its task will be to devise new approaches for the solution of global problems in the area of environment and development. The panel will consist of over 20 high ranking personalities. At the request of the Secretary General, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will be a member of this panel.

Help for flood victims in Pakistan

05.08.2010 — Press release EDA
The situation in the flooded regions of Pakistan is increasingly serious. The FDFA has started immediate emergency measures and is considering providing additional aid. A Swiss mission is now assessing the needs on the spot.

First-of-August celebrations with positive stock-taking of the first half of the Swiss Pavilion’s exhibition time in Shanghai

01.08.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, the Swiss Pavilion, which is organised by Presence Switzerland within the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and the Swiss Club Shanghai together celebrated the First of August at the World Exhibition. With the first half of Switzerland’s presence in Shanghai now behind us, the FDFA takes a positive view of it.

Official visit by the President of the Republic of Macedonia

26.07.2010 — Press release EDA
On 26 July, President Doris Leuthard, accompanied by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, will receive the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, accompanied by Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki. The official meetings will take place at the Lohn country residence and be followed by a lunch hosted by the President of the Swiss Confederation.

Other news (297)

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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

National human rights institution to be established in Switzerland

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council approved the proposal to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI). The Federal Council has thereby strengthened its constitutionally enshrined commitment to human rights. With the model of a public corporation, it takes into account the results of the consultation procedure. The NHRI will be independent, include members from across society and receive an annual financial support from the Confederation.

Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

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