FDFA news

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Centenaire du multilatéralisme (fr)

16.09.2019 — EDA
Geneva, 16.09.2019 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Swiss Humanitarian Aid: Swiss experts deployed to the Bahamas

13.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland is extending its humanitarian aid to the Bahamas. Around 70,000 people in the Caribbean island nation are now dependent on aid in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, which caused extensive damage and many deaths at the start of September. Five experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) were deployed to the affected area on 13 September. Relief supplies in the form of a drinking water system arrived in the Bahamas the day before.

Combating hunger: Switzerland makes renewed contribution to CGIAR

13.09.2019 — EDA
Climate change, land degradation and water scarcity increasingly affect agricultural production and food supply. Around 820 million people around the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition. The Federal Council decided at its meeting on 13 September 2019 to contribute CHF 33.1 million for the period 2020–21 to the CGIAR, previously known as the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research. Through this contribution, as well as through its strong scientific expertise and the work of its universities, Switzerland is playing its part in efforts to find innovative solutions for high-quality food and sustainable natural resource management.

Human rights, UN reforms and science diplomacy: Switzerland's priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly

13.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland adopted its priorities for the 74th UN General Assembly. The Federal Council was informed, at its meeting on 13 September 2019, of the result of the consultations with the Foreign Affairs Committees. The priorities concern the protection of human rights, support for the UN reform processes, and the promotion of science diplomacy. Switzerland will be represented at the high-level opening of the UN General Assembly at the end of September by President of the Confederation Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

Federal Council welcomes Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on state visit

13.09.2019 — EDA
On the afternoon of Friday, 13 September, the Federal Council, led by President Ueli Maurer, welcomed Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife, Savita Kovind, to Bern with military honours to mark the state visit to Switzerland. During the official talks that followed, discussions focused on bilateral relations, in particular the opportunities presented by a free trade agreement, and cooperation on environmental matters. Further topics addressed included global issues and India’s regional situation.

Brücken bauen für den Frieden (de/fr/it)

12.09.2019 — EDA
Bern, 12.09.2019 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance and Prayer - Check against delivery

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Graubünden cantonal government as part of dialogue with Italian-speaking Switzerland

09.09.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Graubünden cantonal government for talks in Bern on 9 September 2019. The meeting, which focused on the institutional agreement with the European Union (EU) and the promotion of Switzerland's minority languages, was part of ongoing efforts by Mr Cassis to engage in structured political dialogue with the cantonal governments of Graubünden and Ticino.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to pay state visit to Switzerland

06.09.2019 — EDA
Bilateral relations between Switzerland and India are close and have long been characterised by high mutual esteem. The state visit by President Ram Nath Kovind to Switzerland this year continues the series of regular contacts between the two countries. The Federal Council, led by President Ueli Maurer, will receive the head of state of the Republic of India in Bern with military honours on the afternoon of Friday, 13 September.

Presentation of credentials

05.09.2019 — EDA
Berne, 05.09.2019 - Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

OSCE PA Silk Road Support Group

05.09.2019 — EDA
Andermatt, 05.09.2019 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the third OSCE International Parliamentary Conference - Check against delivery

70th anniversary of Swiss-Israeli diplomatic relations: cooperation on 'science and diplomacy' and the promotion of peace in the Middle East

02.09.2019 — EDA
The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz on Monday, 2 September 2019 in Lucerne during events to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Israel. The two ministers discussed various bilateral issues and the situation in the Middle East. On Tuesday, Mr Katz will also pay a courtesy visit to Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation.

Zusammenarbeit bei Wissenschaft und Diplomatie - Zusammenarbeit für den Frieden (dt./engl.)

02.09.2019 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the events to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Israel - Check against delivery

Media (2406)

Meeting in Bern between Ignazio Cassis and Bhutanese foreign minister Tandi Dorji

07.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has met the Bhutanese foreign minister, Tandi Dorji, for official talks in Bern. Switzerland and the Himalayan state can look back on many years of friendly relations, which for a long time were based primarily on development cooperation. The two countries' economic and political relations meanwhile are steadily expanding.

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

06.05.2019 — Press release EDA
While welcoming the ceasefire reached by the parties, Switzerland expresses its deep concern at the escalating violence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. It condemns in the strongest terms the hundreds of indiscriminate rocket attacks launched on inhabited areas of Israel from the Gaza Strip.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis is received by Pope Francis and will attend the swearing in of the Swiss Guard at the Vatican

04.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis was received by Pope Francis in a private audience. He also met other representatives of the Holy See, with which Switzerland has maintained close ties for centuries, and he will attend the swearing-in of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican on Monday.

More effective international cooperation: FDFA and EAER launch public consultation

02.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Swiss development cooperation is to become more focused, making it more effective. This is the proposed strategic approach for Switzerland’s international cooperation, submitted for optional public consultation by the Federal Department for Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department for Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) on 2 May 2019.

Ignazio Cassis meets with La Francophonie Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo

30.04.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received the new Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), Louise Mushikiwabo, in Bern today. During their meeting, which was attended by members of the Swiss delegation to the French-speaking Parliamentary Assembly, they discussed several areas of cooperation between Switzerland and the IOF, in particular the promotion of democracy, dual vocational education and training and multilingualism. During her stay in Switzerland, Ms Mushikiwabo will also meet with Federal Councillor Alain Berset.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis discusses future of Swiss-Brazilian partnership with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ernesto Araújo

26.04.2019 — Press release EDA
On 26 April 2019 Mr Cassis wrapped up his South America trip by meeting the Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo in Brasilia. The talks focused on the 200-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (the first Swiss presence opened in Rio de Janeiro in 1819), and on expanding cooperation in business, science and diplomacy.

Working visit to Chile: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis holds political talks and attends 'Colegio Suizo' anniversary celebration

24.04.2019 — Press release EDA
During a working visit to Chile, Mr Cassis attended an event at Colegio Suizo in Santiago to mark the 80th anniversary of Latin America's oldest official Swiss school. In his speech, Mr Cassis emphasised the payoffs of long-term investment in education. Political discussions focused mainly on the situation in Venezuela, modernising the EFTA-Chile Free Trade Agreement and bilateral cooperation in areas such as the environment.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Nueva Helvecia in Uruguay and meets local Swiss community

22.04.2019 — Press release EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, kicked off his visit to Uruguay with a visit to San José and Nueva Helvecia, two small towns with close links to the Swiss community. In San José de Mayo, together with Nicola Brivio, the mayor of the Commune of Morcote, he presented a contribution towards the restoration of the works of Martino Perlasca, an artist from the canton of Ticino. In Nueva Helvecia he met members of the local Swiss community. On Tuesday, Mr Cassis will hold political talks in the capital, Montevideo, and meet members of the Swiss-Uruguayan Chamber of Commerce.

Sri Lanka attacks

21.04.2019 — Press release EDA
The FDFA condemns the terrorist attacks on civilians in Colombo and several other cities in Sri Lanka. Information for travellers.

Swiss communities, education and business: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Uruguay, Chile and Brazil

18.04.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will make his first visit to South America from 22 to 26 April 2019. In Uruguay, Chile and Brazil, he will meet with members of Swiss communities whose origins date back to the immigration of large numbers of Swiss nationals in the 19th century. In the three countries, Mr Cassis will also hold political talks on topics ranging from trade, education and culture to Latin America's key role in tackling the regional and global challenges of the future.

House of Switzerland touring China from 2021

17.04.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 17 April 2019, the Federal Council decided to capitalise on the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing as a platform to promote Switzerland in China. As part of a one-year campaign beginning in 2021, the House of Switzerland will travel to various cities across China, showcasing the diversity of Switzerland with partners from business, tourism, science and culture.

Rockets fired on Tripoli: FDFA calls for end to fighting in Libya and for universal support for the political process

17.04.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is gravely concerned about the military escalation following the attack launched by the Libyan National Army on 4 April and the subsequent fighting around Tripoli. More than 100 people have lost their lives and thousands more have been forced to flee.

Other news (280)

Federal Council calls for immediate end to hostilities and facilitates provision of humanitarian aid in Syria

16.10.2019 — EDA
The Federal Council condemns Turkey's military intervention in Syria, which it considers to be in violation of the UN Charter and therefore contrary to international law. It calls on Turkey to immediately cease all hostilities and to work through negotiation towards immediate de-escalation and a political solution to the conflict. Switzerland has stated this position to Turkey several times in recent days. At the same time, the Federal Council decided at its meeting of 16 October 2019 to aid the establishment of business relations necessary for the work of the humanitarian actors active in Syria. The amended ordinance on measures against Syria will enter into force on 15 November 2019.

Switzerland steps up efforts to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis – Ignazio Cassis announces extra 7 million

10.10.2019 — EDA
Every year, 2.5 million people die of AIDS, malaria or tuberculosis, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. At a pledging conference hosted in Lyon on Thursday in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis announced a CHF 7 million increase in Switzerland's contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Geneva-based Global Fund is a priority multilateral partner for Switzerland's international cooperation.

Syrian-Turkish border – Switzerland calls on all parties to refrain from hostilities

09.10.2019 — EDA
Switzerland is following recent developments on the Syrian-Turkish border in north-eastern Syria with concern. It calls on all parties to refrain from hostilities and to respect international law, in particular international humanitarian law.

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development visits Switzerland

02.10.2019 — EDA
The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development visited Switzerland from 23 September to 2 October 2019. The purpose of this official country visit was to meet representatives from the Federal Administration, cantons and NGOs and learn about Switzerland's implementation of the right to development.

Second 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

30.09.2019 — EDA
On 26 and 27 September 2019 a second 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.

Switzerland tables new Human Rights Council resolution for the abolition of the death penalty

27.09.2019 — EDA
The death penalty should not be applied any longer in the 21st century among others for drug or terrorism-related crimes. This is the objective of a resolution tabled by Switzerland together with seven other countries at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the Council's 42nd session, which ended on Friday 27 September, Switzerland also contributed to a resolution aimed at strengthening transitional justice.

Switzerland facilitates a meeting between Georgia and the Russian Federation

26.09.2019 — EDA
As part of its Good Offices, Switzerland has initiated and facilitated a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Georgia, H.E. David Zalkaliani, and the Russian Federation, H.E. Sergey Lavrov.

President Maurer calls on international community to follow global "compasses" and actively tackle future digital challenges

24.09.2019 — EDA
During the United Nations (UN) ministerial week, President Ueli Maurer described the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions as "compasses of values" that are ever increasing in importance in a time of great uncertainty. The international community has the duty to protect the rights of every country and every person. The digital transformation and, in particular, data protection as part of human rights were also a focal point of his speech to the UN General Assembly.

UN General Assembly: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict and climate change mitigation

24.09.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis has set several priorities as Switzerland celebrates 100 years of multilateralism this year. Last week, he signed a joint declaration with the Canton and City of Geneva reaffirming their commitment to International Geneva's role as a centre of global governance. At the high-level week of the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Cassis has now called on the international community to strengthen human rights, adding that this will require innovative approaches. During his stay in New York, Mr Cassis will also speak about UN reforms and climate change mitigation, hold bilateral talks, and meet staff of the Swiss mission to the UN and the Swiss consulate general in the city.

EU-hosted high-level meeting on the Syrian crisis

24.09.2019 — EDA
New York, 24.09.2019 - Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 74th UN General Assembly - Check against delivery

WEF Sustainable Development Impact Summit 2019: Closing Plenary Session: “Mobilizing Action for Inclusive Societies”

24.09.2019 — EDA
New York, 24.09.2019 - Speech by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the 74th UN General Assembly - Check against delivery

Innovation, investment, Swiss community: Ignazio Cassis opens consulate general in Chicago

23.09.2019 — EDA
Switzerland is once again represented in the Midwest, a major economic region of the United States, with a consulate general. At the opening ceremony in Chicago, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis highlighted the potential for increasing cooperation in various areas such as innovation. The reopening of the Chicago representation by the FDFA comes in response to a parliamentary request. The consulate general will increase the support available to Swiss companies in the Chicago metropolitan area and it serves as a further example of strengthened Swiss-US ties.

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