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.
16.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 16 December, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a moratorium on capital punishment. This latest resolution negotiated by Switzerland and Mexico advances the ongoing efforts towards the universal abolition of the death penalty and contains key amendments for women, minors and the families of prisoners sentenced to death. The resolution was adopted by 123 member states. Four new countries voted yes for the first time. This is the most important support ever given to this initiative at the UN General Assembly.
15.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is working throughout the world to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In Athens, on 15 December, it delivered two special patient transport vehicles and two ISO containers, to be used as mobile examination rooms, to the health service responsible for the Aegean islands. An initial consignment for Greece had previously been delivered on 4 December. Further supplies will be delivered on 18 December, with a final consignment at the end of January, bringing the project to a close.
14.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, the UK’s Secretary of State for International Trade, signed the Services Mobility Agreement (SMA) on 14 December 2020 in London. The agreement secures reciprocal, facilitated market access for service providers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom from 1 January 2021.
11.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 11 December 2020, the Federal Council agreed funding for the project to renovate the barracks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in the Vatican. This is a single contribution to improve the accommodation and facilities of the Swiss Guard. The decision coincides with the centenary of Switzerland's resumption of diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
11.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
At its meeting on 11 December the Federal Council extended by one year the preventive asset freeze relating to Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities. The asset freeze relating to Tunisia will expire in January 2021, as it will reach its statutory maximum duration.
07.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 7 December 2020, the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) launched the new information platform "finance.swiss" together with players in the Swiss financial centre. The platform is aimed at an international audience and is intended to demonstrate the framework conditions and qualities that Switzerland offers in the financial sector in order to position itself as an attractive business location in the global competition between financial centres.
07.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has participated in the 37th Francophonie Ministerial Conference, held virtually from Paris on 24–25 November. This annual event brings together the ministers of foreign affairs or ministers for Francophone affairs of the member states and governments of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF). During the conference, the IOF endorsed Switzerland's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2023–24 term.
04.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 4 December 2020 the Federal Council adopted its report on the “Democratisation of the United Nations” in fulfilment of postulate 18.4111 from Council of States member Daniel Jositsch. In the report, the Federal Council concludes that there is no discernible democratic deficit within the UN. It maintains that the creation of new bodies such as a parliamentary assembly is not realistic in the current global political situation and, furthermore, is not necessarily in Switzerland's interest. At the same time, the Federal Council stresses the importance of reforms and sets out ideas for further opportunities for parliamentary involvement in the future.
03.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (the "Code of Conduct") was launched 10 years ago. It obliges private security service providers to respect human rights and international humanitarian law and to prevent their violation. Switzerland was influential in creating the code of conduct and is head of its supervisory board.
03.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
On 3 December 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the virtual Ministerial Council meeting of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). He called for a stronger organisation and appealed to the participating states to find a consensus solution to fill the OSCE's top positions.
01.12.2020
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Press release
EDA
As part of an official visit, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks focused on Switzerland's priorities for its new strategy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2021–24 and the normalisation of relations between Israel and the UAE. Mr Cassis' visit to Abu Dhabi marked the end of a four-day trip to the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula.
29.11.2020
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Press release
EDA
During his official visit to the Middle East, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) met with his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts Gabi Ashkenazi and Riyad al-Maliki. Discussions centred on the latest regional developments and Switzerland's peace policy, as well as the strengthening of cooperation in the area of innovation and the creation of jobs for young Palestinians. These subjects are among Switzerland's priorities in the region following the adoption of the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Strategy 2021–2024.