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Beirut explosion: Switzerland steps up relief aid

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.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu meet to discuss bilateral relations and an open and constructive dialogue between Switzerland and Turkey

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.

Private security services provided abroad: almost 500 declarations in 2019

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.

Federal Council adopts report on Switzerland's implementation of international humanitarian law

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.

Coronavirus: Large-scale events to be permitted from October under strict conditions and with a permit

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.

Unrest in Belarus after the presidential elections: Switzerland calls for respect for human rights

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.

Beirut explosion: Switzerland dispatches a team of specialists

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.

Ignazio Cassis: "Switzerland is on the move, because we are on the move"

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.

Mission August 1st!

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.

SDC Director General Patricia Danzi takes stock after 100 days: “A big job with big responsibilities”

27.07.2020 — Press release EDA
On Monday 27 July 2020, recently named SDC Director General Patricia Danzi took stock of her work at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). At a media event held at the Swiss Humanitarian Aid warehouse in Wabern, she reflected on her first few months at the helm of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and explained the agency's upcoming priorities.

President Sommaruga visits Eastern Ukraine with President Zelenskyy

23.07.2020 — Press release EDA
On Thursday, 23 July, President Simonetta Sommaruga travelled with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Eastern Ukraine. Finding a peaceful solution to the conflict in this region is one of Switzerland’s peace policy priorities. Switzerland is Ukraine’s fifth most important donor nation, providing development cooperation and humanitarian aid, and is also involved in the peace process, primarily through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

President Sommaruga received on state visit to Ukraine

21.07.2020 — Press release EDA
On Tuesday, 21 July, during her visit to Ukraine, President Simonetta Sommaruga, held official talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the first bilateral presidential visit by Switzerland to Ukraine. Both sides commended the excellent existing cooperation and stressed that there was great potential for even closer ties, especially economic, between the two countries. Talks focused on the situation in Ukraine, particularly in the east of the country, and global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Media (2579)

Private security services provided abroad: almost 500 declarations in 2019

Federal Council adopts report on Switzerland's implementation of international humanitarian law

Coronavirus: Large-scale events to be permitted from October under strict conditions and with a permit

Unrest in Belarus after the presidential elections: Switzerland calls for respect for human rights

Beirut explosion: Switzerland dispatches a team of specialists

Ignazio Cassis: "Switzerland is on the move, because we are on the move"

Mission August 1st!

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.

SDC Director General Patricia Danzi takes stock after 100 days: “A big job with big responsibilities”

President Sommaruga visits Eastern Ukraine with President Zelenskyy

President Sommaruga received on state visit to Ukraine

UN Human Rights Council: Human rights must also be respected during protests

17.07.2020 — Press release EDA
At Switzerland's initiative, the Human Rights Council has adopted a resolution on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests. In addition, Switzerland has submitted a resolution with partner states on the 15th anniversary of the Responsibility to Protect.

UNHCR: Switzerland donates masks for relief work on the ground

16.07.2020 — 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.

Other news (297)

Federal Council expands cooperation with the UN on military peace support training

20.11.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 November 2019, the Federal Council approved an agreement between Switzerland and the UN on training cooperation in the context of international peace support. The agreement will provide a legal framework for closer longer-term cooperation between Switzerland and the UN in the training sector.

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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