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Switzerland’s candidacy for the UN Security Council enters final phase

30.10.2020 — 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.

COVID-19 and multilateralism: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis talks to UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay

28.10.2020 — 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.

2030 Agenda - World Data Forum: strong international cooperation for quality data

22.10.2020 — 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.

Election of Daniel Fink to UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture

22.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Switzerland welcomes Daniel Fink's election on 22 October 2020 to the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) following Switzerland's submission of his candidature for a new term of office.

Switzerland at G20 Anti-Corruption Ministers Meeting

22.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 22 October 2020, Switzerland took part in a virtual G20 ministerial-level meeting on combating corruption. The ministers called for transparency and accountability in view of the sharp rise in government spending to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nagorno Karabakh: FDFA calls for an end to violence and supports ICRC humanitarian operations

20.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has allocated CHF 1 million for the humanitarian operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The FDFA also calls for an immediate stop to the violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Attacks on the civilian population and civilian objects must cease. The parties to the conflict are called upon to comply with international humanitarian law.

100 years of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Denmark: Federal Councillor Cassis makes official visit to Copenhagen

16.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Official diplomatic relations have existed between Switzerland and Denmark since 1920. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis marked their 100th anniversary with an official visit to Copenhagen. On 15 October 2020, he took part in a celebration organised by the Swiss embassy. On 15 and 16 October, the head of the FDFA met the Minister for International Development Rasmus Prehn and Minister for Finance Nicolai Wammen for bilateral talks. He also paid a courtesy visit to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

Official visit to Norway: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Oslo for talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide

15.10.2020 — Press release EDA
On 15 October 2020 Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, met in Oslo with Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. Mr Cassis and Ms Eriksen Søreide praised the excellent relations between Switzerland and Norway. In addition to bilateral relations, their talks focused in particular on the two countries' relations with the EU and their close cooperation within EFTA and the UN.

Clean drinking water and COVID-19: Swiss aid convoy reaches conflict zone in eastern Ukraine

15.10.2020 — Press release EDA
The COVID-19 pandemic is also having an impact on the aid Switzerland provides to those suffering in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. For the first time, a large part of the aid convoy is made up of medical supplies to help overcome the COVID crisis. On 15 October 2020, the twelfth convoy organised by Swiss Humanitarian Aid, comprising 19 trucks, reached the Donetsk region.

Federal Council adopts UNRWA report

14.10.2020 — Press release EDA
At its meeting of 14 October 2020, the Federal Council adopted its report on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) drawn up in response to a postulate. The report analyses UNRWA's historical development, present-day values, and criticism that has been levelled against the aid agency. Support for the reforms at UNRWA that are under way is one of Switzerland's priorities.

Switzerland at virtual IMF and World Bank 2020 Annual Meetings and G20 Finance Ministers Meeting

14.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, State Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, will attend the virtual Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) on 14 and 15 October 2020. The Annual Meetings, as well as the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, will focus on both the global management of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and international corporate taxation.

Federal Council appoints Livia Leu as new State Secretary and approves adjustments to the structure of the FDFA

14.10.2020 — Press release EDA
Livia Leu, who is currently Switzerland's ambassador in Paris, will assume the leadership of the Directorate for European Affairs (DEA) with immediate effect and will take up the post of chief negotiator for negotiations with the EU. She will receive the title of State Secretary. The Federal Council took this decision at its meeting on 14 October 2020. It also agreed to adjustments to the structure of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). From 1 January, the European Affairs and Political Affairs directorates will be merged under a single State Secretariat headed by Livia Leu as the FDFA State Secretary.

Media (2586)

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.

Almost 685,000 Swiss nationals living abroad

17.02.2010 — Press release EDA
The number of Swiss nationals living abroad rose in 2009 by 8,798 to 684,974. In 2000, 580,396 Swiss nationals were living abroad. The increase is caused mainly by the number of persons with dual nationality, which has risen from 405,921 to 493,468.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter signs Swiss-EU bilateral agreement

15.02.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, a new Swiss-EU bilateral agreement was signed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, Ms Androulla Vassiliou, the EU Commissioner for Culture, Education, Multiligualism, and Youth and Mr Ángel Gabilondo Pujol, Spanish Minister of Education and representative of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This bilateral agreement will enable Switzerland to officially take part in EU education, training and youth programmes.

Other news (297)

The Confederation and the Canton and City of Geneva pay tribute to 100 years of multilateralism and the city's role as a centre for global governance

16.09.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, President of the Geneva State Council Antonio Hodgers and Administrative Councillor of the City of Geneva Sami Kanaan have signed a joint declaration underscoring the key role played by International Geneva in addressing future challenges. The joint declaration pays tribute to 100 years of multilateralism and reaffirms the commitment of the Swiss government and the Canton and City of Geneva to International Geneva's role as a centre of global governance. The signing ceremony was followed by the presentation of a volume of key Swiss diplomatic documents going back to the establishment of the League of Nations a century ago.

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.

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

Presentation of credentials

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

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.

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