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Switzerland funds reconstruction of houses in Albania: Federal Councillor Cassis gets an update on the status of the projects

23.11.2020 — Press release EDA
During his official visit to Tirana on 23 November 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj and President Ilir Meta. The talks focused on Switzerland's commitment in Albania, Albania's chairmanship of the OSCE and the candidacy of both countries for the UN Security Council. The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) also visited an SDC project to restore destroyed houses.

50 years of diplomatic relations: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Albania

20.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 23 November 2020, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Tirana for an official visit to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Albania. The meeting with Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama and the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj will focus on bilateral relations, Switzerland's international cooperation in the region and Albania's current chairmanship of the OSCE.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives Spanish Foreign Minister in Bern

20.11.2020 — Press release EDA
On 20 November 2020, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, met with Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Arancha González Laya. The talks focused on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, relations with the European Union and bilateral relations between Switzerland and Spain. The Spanish minister's visit was also an opportunity to discuss multilateral commitments and International Geneva.

Poverty reduction and sustainable development: Switzerland renews its support to the UNDP

18.11.2020 — Press release EDA
Despite progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, some 600 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this number is rising sharply for the first time in decades. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a key role in poverty reduction. The Federal Council has therefore decided on 18 November to allocate a contribution of 52.7 million francs to the UNDP.

Switzerland to continue support for UNRWA in 2021–2022

18.11.2020 — 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.

Ignazio Cassis receives French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian in Bern

16.11.2020 — 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.

Central America: Switzerland aids Hurricane Eta survivors

12.11.2020 — 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.

Rules on private security services abroad harmonised

11.11.2020 — 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.

Switzerland–China: political dialogue to strengthen sustainable relations

09.11.2020 — 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.

Switzerland is demanding more protection of medical activities in armed conflicts

05.11.2020 — 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.

Federal Council opens consultation process on 2030 Sustainable Development Strategy

04.11.2020 — 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.

Promotion of International Geneva and digital self-determination – Federal Council sets out Digital Foreign Policy Strategy 2021–2024

04.11.2020 — 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.

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90 years of bilateral relations, COVID-19 and trade promotion: Ignazio Cassis in Thailand for talks

02.08.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, kicked off his trip to the Mekong region with a two-day visit to Thailand. Mr Cassis delivered a virtual 1 August address from the Swiss embassy in Bangkok to the Swiss community in the region. His talks with members of the Thai government focused on an expansion of bilateral cooperation. Together with Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Mr Cassis also attended celebrations to mark the 90th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries. Finally, on 2 August, he attended a ceremony to hand over to the Thai authorities a consignment of humanitarian supplies dispatched by Switzerland last week.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to travel to Thailand, Laos and Vietnam

29.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to three states in Southeast Asia from 1 to 6 August 2021 to cultivate good relations and look to the future. : Switzerland has maintained bilateral relations across a broad range of areas with Thailand for 90 years and with Vietnam 50 years. Both countries are among Switzerland's most important economic partners in the region. Switzerland maintains close cooperation with Laos in the area of development cooperation. . During this trip, Mr Cassis also plans to meet with members of the Swiss community to learn how they are coping with the COVID-19 crisis. To help Thailand cope with the pandemic, Switzerland sent respirators and antigen test kits to Bangkok yesterday.

Global Education Summit: Switzerland announces its support for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) for the period 2021–25

29.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland announced a contribution of CHF 52 million for the period 2021–25 at the GPE's replenishment conference on 28–29 July 2021 in London. A commitment to equitable, inclusive and crisis-resilient education systems is one of Switzerland's priorities within the GPE.

COVID 19 in Thailand: Switzerland sends 26 tonnes of medical supplies to Bangkok

28.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is helping Thailand to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This Wednesday, Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched 100 respirators and more than a million antigen tests to Bangkok. The provision of this aid coincides with a tour of Southeast Asia by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis that will include a visit to Thailand.

COVID-19 in Indonesia: Switzerland sends 600 oxygen concentrators to Jakarta

24.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is helping Indonesia to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Swiss Humanitarian Aid sent 600 oxygen concentrators to Jakarta on Saturday, with a total value of nearly CHF 1 million. This is the sixth delivery of oxygen concentrators and other medical supplies that Switzerland has made to another country since May 2021, worth over CHF 15 million in total.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Mission of Switzerland in Brussels and meets EU commissioners for informal exchange

20.07.2021 — Press release EDA
On 19 and 20 July Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), visited the Mission of Switzerland to the European Union in Brussels. He exchanged views with staff there and gained an overview of the tasks at hand and those lying ahead. Mr Cassis also engaged in an informal exchange of views with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

COVID-19 in Tunisia – Switzerland sends medical equipment worth CHF 335,000

16.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is helping Tunisia to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched 15 respirators and 60 oxygen concentrators to Tunis this Friday, with a total value of nearly CHF 335,000. It is Switzerland's fifth international delivery of this type in recent weeks.

Human Rights Council: Switzerland promotes women's rights

13.07.2021 — Press release EDA
The 47th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) ended today. From 21 June to 13 July, Geneva was the virtual setting for the HRC's intensive work. Special attention was paid to women's rights and gender equality, with a focus on combating violence against women and girls.

COVID-19 in Mongolia – Switzerland sends medical assistance worth CHF 850,000

12.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is helping Mongolia to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. On Monday 12 July, Swiss Humanitarian Aid sent 40 respirators and 45 oxygen concentrators to Ulaanbaatar with a total value of around CHF 850,000.

FDFA co-founds Centre for Sport and Human Rights Association

08.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Created in 2018 on the initiative of different stakeholders engaged in dialogue about sport (governments, sports federations, international organisations, sponsors, civil society organisations, athletes' organisations, broadcasters), the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) will become, on Thursday 8 July 2021, an independent association under Swiss law based in Geneva. The CSHR's principal objective – to improve the human rights situation in sport – is in line with the priorities of the FDFA's human rights guidelines.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis in Vilnius for Ukraine Reform Conference and bilateral talks

08.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the Ukraine Reform Conference 2021 (URC) in Vilnius from 6 to 8 July. At the end of this year's conference, Switzerland officially assumed the chair of the URC2022 in Lugano. During the conference, Mr Cassis met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba. To mark two anniversaries in Swiss–Lithuanian relations, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also met with the Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis in Vilnius.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Estonia to mark double anniversary and discuss digitalisation

06.07.2021 — Press release EDA
Following the first leg of his visit to the Baltic States in Latvia, today Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, travelled to Estonia where he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Eva-Maria Liimets and Parliamentary Speaker Jüri Ratas. Their talks focused on digitalisation, European policy and Switzerland's candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council in the period 2023–24. Mr Cassis also visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn.

Other news (298)

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

21.05.2021 — EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

04.09.2020 — EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

25.08.2020 — EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

26.06.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

SDC Newsletter: Africa, CO2 reduction and WEF

29.01.2020 — DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

17.01.2020 — Article EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.

Honeyland Oscar nominee

14.01.2020 — Article DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

20.12.2019 — EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.

Third 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

19.12.2019 — EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third 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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

17.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.

National human rights institution to be established in Switzerland

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council approved the proposal to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI). The Federal Council has thereby strengthened its constitutionally enshrined commitment to human rights. With the model of a public corporation, it takes into account the results of the consultation procedure. The NHRI will be independent, include members from across society and receive an annual financial support from the Confederation.

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