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Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to San Marino

29.09.2020 — Press release EDA
On 1 October, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in the investiture of the two captains regent, the joint heads of state of the Republic of San Marino. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs was invited as official speaker at the ceremony. The official visit will also provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral and international issues.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with Ticino and Graubünden government representatives

28.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs – an Italian speaker from the canton of Ticino – met today with government representatives of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Mr Cassis and members of the Council of State of the canton of Ticino and representatives of the government of Graubünden discussed, among other matters, the current coronavirus situation, cross-border relations, relations with the EU, and the promotion of multilingualism and the language and culture of Switzerland's Italian-speaking population.

Violent confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan – Switzerland’s position

28.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is concerned about the ongoing violent confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan that have been intensifying since 27 September. In the light of recent events, Switzerland calls on all parties to preserve regional stability and therefore end the use of force.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis holds official working meeting with Foreign Minister Katrin Eggenberger in Vaduz

25.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met on 25 September 2020 with Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger during an official visit to the Principality of Liechtenstein. The two foreign ministers discussed cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues. That evening, Mr Ignazio Cassis will give a speech on Swiss foreign policy to a group of business leaders. Mr Ignazio Cassis also met with H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein.

President Sommaruga at the virtual 75th session of the UN General Assembly

24.09.2020 — Press release EDA
On 23 September, during the ministerial week of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, outlined Switzerland’s priorities. This year’s event, which marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, is taking place via video link, owing to the ongoing pandemic.

With Swiss support: Political parties in Georgia sign code of conduct for peaceful elections

14.09.2020 — Press release EDA
On 14 september 2020, several political parties in Georgia have signed a code of conduct to promote peaceful elections and a fair election campaign. Switzerland encourages all political parties to sign this document. The code was facilitated by Georgia's Central Election Commission with Switzerland's support. The parliamentary elections scheduled for 31 October 2020 constitute an important milestone for democracy in the South Caucasus nation.

Federal Council sets four Swiss priorities for UN General Assembly's 75th session

11.09.2020 — Press release EDA
In summer, the Federal Council set the priorities for the UN General Assembly. At its meeting of 11 September 2020, it was informed about the Foreign Affairs Committees’ consultation. The priorities include one concerning global efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly at the end of September will take place via video conference, with President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, representing Switzerland.

Switzerland and Uzbekistan sign an agreement with a view to the restitution of confiscated assets

11.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and Uzbekistan have signed a framework agreement with a view to the restitution of confiscated assets to Uzbekistan. The agreement relates on the one hand to assets of some USD 131 million already definitively confiscated in one of the criminal proceedings in connection with Gulnara Karimova, daughter of the former Uzbek president. On the other hand, it also relates to any further assets that may be definitively confiscated in the future under the still ongoing criminal proceedings. The agreement sets out the principles and stages for the restitution. The assets shall be used for the benefit of the people of Uzbekistan.

Coronavirus: No quarantine for persons entering from border regions

11.09.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 11 September, the Federal Council decided on the quarantine rules for persons entering Switzerland from neighbouring countries: only those regions of neighbouring countries where the infection rate is over the limit will be added to the list of countries and areas with an increased rate of infection, not the entire country. Border regions may be exempted from inclusion on the list. In so doing, the Federal Council is responding to the rapid rise in infection numbers, while still taking account of the close interaction between Switzerland and neighbouring regions. The revised ordinance will come into force on 14 September. At the same time, the list of risk areas will be updated.

Federal Council presents ways to involve Parliament during Switzerland's prospective term on UN Security Council

11.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2023–24 period. At its meeting on 11 September 2020, the Federal Council took note of a report outlining ways for Parliament to be involved during Switzerland's Security Council membership. The proposed options take account of the constitutional division of powers and the Federal Council's ability to conduct foreign policy. The government report fulfils a postulate from the Council of States Foreign Affairs Committee.

UNIDO Director General visits Bern

09.09.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis welcomed the director general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO, LI Yong, to Bern on Wednesday, 9 September 2020. The agenda for the official working visit includes the impact of the coronavirus crisis and the measures taken, as well as the ongoing reform of the United Nations.

UNHCR: Switzerland donates masks for relief work on the ground

08.09.2020 — Press release EDA
A global pandemic does not only pose a threat to people. It is also a major obstacle for humanitarian aid. If protective equipment is not available, it is not possible to provide assistance on the ground. Swiss Humanitarian Aid is therefore donating three million face masks in response to this problem and in order to protect the people working on the front lines. The consignment was handed over to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday, 08 September 2020.

Media (2576)

Official working visit to Bern of Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala

03.03.2010 — Press release EDA
On 3 March, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Mrs Micheline Calmy-Rey received the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal Mrs Sujata Koirala for a working visit. The talks covered Switzerland's activity in Nepal as well as other bilateral and international issues. Mrs Koirala was also received by the Speaker of the National Council Mrs Pascale Bruderer Wyss.

Exceptional success of the House of Switzerland in Vancouver

02.03.2010 — Press release EDA
After the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, the organisers of the two "Houses of Switzerland Canada 2010" have said that they were a great success. 60,000 guests enjoyed the Swiss atmosphere at the Vancouver and Whistler locations.

Major Earthquake off the Coast of Chile. Switzerland aids Chilean Victims

02.03.2010 — Press release EDA
Only slowly did the full scope of the severe earthquake that struck Chile emerge. On Monday following additional damage assessment, the Chilean authorities decided to request international assistance to provide certain rescue and survival services. The Swiss Humanitarian Aid has for now allocated CHF 300,000 for emergency relief measures.

PlanetSolar is ready to circumnavigate the globe under the Swiss flag

25.02.2010 — Press release EDA
Construction of the Swiss vessel PlanetSolar has now been concluded and today it was presented to the media at a shipyard in the German harbour town of Kiel. In the summer of 2010, the solar-powered catamaran will embark on the European leg of its mission - and beginning in 2011, on a trip around the globe - to draw the world’s attention to the significance of renewable energies. The catamaran, sailing under the Swiss flag, is the result of a project supported by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel.

Population Survey on Development Policy: Development Cooperation deeply embedded

25.02.2010 — Press release EDA
A clear majority of the Swiss population views development assistance as an effective strategy in combating world-wide poverty and tackling development problems. Urgent action is deemed necessary in the areas of enhancing fair trade and addressing global issues. These were the results of a representative population survey commissioned by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss Alliance of Development Organizations (Alliance Sud).

Federal Council to Put UBS Agreement to Parliament for Approval; Switzerland intends to fulfill its obligations under international law

24.02.2010 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council is to put the Administrative Assistance Agreement between Switzerland and the USA, dated August 19, 2009, to Parliament for formal approval. It instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) Wednesday to prepare the corresponding Federal Council Message. The move will allow Switzerland to fulfill its obligations under international law, and bring a final resolution to its legal and sovereignty dispute with the USA.

The Federal Council proposes a new law on the restitution of assets of illicit origin

24.02.2010 — Press release EDA
In the context of the prolongation of the freeze on the Duvalier assets, which the Federal Council decided on 3 February 2010, today the Federal Council has decided to submit the draft Federal Act on the restitution of assets of illicit origin to a consultation procedure. The Duvalier assets could be first case to which the law would apply once it enters into force. For this to happen however it must first be passed by Parliament. With this draft law, Switzerland confirms its leading position worldwide in the restitution of assets of illicit origin.

Strengthening of cooperation with Serbia

24.02.2010 — Press release EDA
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Serbia about assistance in intellectual property matters

Reform of the European Court of Human Rights: joint declaration reached in Interlaken

19.02.2010 — Press release EDA
In the framework of its Chairmanship of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, on 18 and 19 February 2010 Switzerland organised a Ministerial Conference in Interlaken in order to decisively spur the reform of the overburdened European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). By issuing a joint declaration the representatives of the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe confirm their intention to secure the long-term future of the ECHR.

Combating the Food Crisis is the primary Objective

18.02.2010 — Press release EDA
At the Annual Media Conference held in Bern, the SDC acquainted the audience with the priority activities planned for 2010. Making a contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and enhancing food security are vested with a prominent role.

Federal Councillor Calmy–Rey meets the Spanish and Libyan Foregin Ministers in Madrid

18.02.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), today met her Spanish and Libyan counterparts in Madrid. Spain currently holds the presidency of the EU Council of ministers. They discussed the differences between Switzerland and Libya as well as visa issues.

Water Security in the Middle East

17.02.2010 — Press release EDA
An international workshop on Water Security in the Middle East was held at Montreux on February 15-16., attracting participation of 60 leading policymakers, including members of Parliament, former Cabinet Ministers, research senior leaders of Water Commissions and heads of research institutions from across the Middle East.

Other news (297)

Switzerland elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

20.11.2019 — EDA
UNESCO strives to promote peace and sustainable development through international cooperation in education, science, culture and media development. UNESCO's General Conference has now elected Switzerland to the organisation's Executive Board for 2019–23. The new Executive Board's mandate will include drafting UNESCO's next medium-term strategy for 2022–29.

US statements on Israeli settlements: Switzerland’s statement

19.11.2019 — EDA
Following yesterday's American statements on Israeli settlements, Switzerland confirms its position.

The Federal Council concludes an agreement on privileges and immunities with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association

18.11.2019 — EDA
On 18 November 2019 Switzerland and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICoCA) signed an agreement on the privileges and immunities accorded to the association in Switzerland. ICoCA plays a major role in ensuring compliance with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers and in promoting the responsible provision of security services.

UNESCO General Conference: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis advocates Executive Board seat for Switzerland

14.11.2019 — EDA
Speaking at the UNESCO General Conference in Paris, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called for minorities to be respected, pointing out that this is essential to democratic processes. He also said that Switzerland supports the reform proposals intended to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness and explained the strengths Switzerland can bring to the UNESCO Executive Board. Switzerland is campaigning to gain a seat on the Executive Board in the election on 20 November 2019.

Zukunftstag 2019: Was die jungen Gäste im EDA beeindruckte (de/fr/it)

14.11.2019 — EDA
Rund 90 Kinder und Jugendliche haben am Zukunftstag 2019 ihren Eltern oder Bekannten bei der Arbeit im Eidgenössischen Departement für auswärtige Angelegenheiten EDA über die Schulter und hinter die Kulissen des Departements geschaut. Generalsekretär Markus Seiler zeigte den jungen Gästen das Bundesratszimmer sowie das Büro von Bundesrat Ignazio Cassis, der sich an diesem Tag in Paris befand. An verschiedenen Workshops konnten die Kinder und Jugendlichen verschiedene Aspekte aus der Arbeit des EDA vertieft kennenlernen und eine Medienmitteilung schreiben.

UNESCO General Conference (fr)

14.11.2019 — EDA
Paris, 14.11.2019 – Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis – Check against delivery

Linking of the Swiss and EU emissions trading systems: Federal Council approves revision of the CO2 Ordinance

13.11.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 13 November 2019, the Federal Council approved the revised Ordinance on the Reduction of CO2 Emissions. This, together with the amendment to the CO2 Act adopted in March 2019 and the agreement with the EU, will enter into force on 1 January 2020. From 2020, emissions from civil aviation and fossil fuel power stations will also be included in the Swiss ETS, as is already the case in the EU. Linking the two schemes allows companies in the Swiss ETS to trade emission allowances in the larger EU emissions market.

Escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza – statement by the FDFA

12.11.2019 — EDA
The FDFA is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and calls on all parties to restore calm immediately.

Education, environment and protection of minorities – Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to UNESCO General Conference in Paris

12.11.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the UNESCO General Conference on 14 November 2019. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will call for respect for minorities, which is a key element of the democratic process. New members of the UNESCO Executive Board will also be elected during the three-week session. Switzerland – one of the candidates – is one of the biggest contributors to UNESCO measured by population.

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.

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