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.
18.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting of 18 November 2020, the Federal Council decided to continue to provide the same level of support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) for the next two years. Switzerland intends to continue to support and closely monitor the management reforms initiated by UNRWA. Switzerland's 40 million francs contribution will help to alleviate the precarious humanitarian situation, create prospects, reduce the risk of young people becoming radicalised, and strengthen stability in the region.
16.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met today in Bern with France's Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian. The talks centred on French-Swiss cooperation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, bilateral relations and European policy. Current international affairs were also discussed.
12.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Central American countries have been hit hard by Hurricane Eta. High winds and torrential rains have caused severe damage. Switzerland is providing CHF 700,000 to help those affected in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala.
11.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
Common terminology, a new consultation mechanism, and clear areas of responsibility: at its meeting of 11 November 2020, the Federal Council amended the Ordinance to the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad.
09.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
State Secretary Krystyna Marty met with China's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang for political dialogue on Monday 9 November 2020. The meeting took place by videoconference, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the current epidemiological situation, the talks focused on economic relations between the two countries and the human rights situation in China. The discussions illustrate the continuity of the good relations between Switzerland and China.
05.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
The current COVID 19 pandemic underlines the importance of medical assistance – even during armed conflicts. Protecting medical activities is hereby essential. International humanitarian law (IHL) is the backbone of this protection. More must be done to improve its implementation. From 2 to 5 November 2020, Switzerland organised a virtual meeting of government experts on the protection of medical activities in armed conflicts. With more than 280 participants from around 100 countries, the meeting enabled the States represented to identify and exchange good practices. States can now draw on them to advance the implementation of IHL at national level.
04.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
With its 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy, the Federal Council is setting out how it intends to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development over the next ten years. At its meeting on 4 November, the Federal Council approved the strategy for consultation.
04.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 4 November 2020, the Federal Council approved Switzerland's Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–2024. The strategy outlines how the Federal Council intends to safeguard and promote Swiss interests and values in the digital space over the next four years. Focus areas include the strengthening of international governance and cooperation forums, digital self-determination for individual users, international law and the use of digitalisation to improve international cooperation. International Geneva has an important role to play in this respect, and the Federal Council aims to strengthen that role still further.
04.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
"In these unusual times, close cooperation between our states is the only adequate response to the difficulties we are currently facing," stated Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 130th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE). Under Greece's chairmanship, the foreign ministers at the session adopted the 'Athens Declaration', reaffirming their existing commitments to respond effectively to public health crises while respecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the CoE's founding values. Key representatives also met to celebrate 70 years of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
30.10.2020
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Press release
EDA
Switzerland is a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Elections for the 2023–24 period will be held in June 2022. The candidacy entered its final phase with a virtual event in New York attended by the president of the Swiss Confederation, Simonetta Sommaruga, and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.
28.10.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 28 October 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis spoke by telephone with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in Paris. The respective heads of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization discussed the impact of the pandemic crisis on multilateralism and UNESCO's strategic preparations in response to global challenges.
22.10.2020
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Press release
EDA
The United Nations World Data Forum took place from 19 to 21 October 2020 in digital format due to COVID-19. The event brought together several thousand experts to find innovative solutions in order to meet the need for better quality data to implement the 2030 Agenda and to control the pandemic.