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Science diplomacy and cross-border cooperation focus of German-speaking foreign ministers' meeting in Lugano

16.04.2021 — Press release EDA
At the invitation of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the five German-speaking countries took place today in Lugano. The talks focused on cross-border cooperation, including the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, science diplomacy in digital foreign policy and other topics of European and international interest.

Switzerland presents report on implementation of UN Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

15.04.2021 — Press release EDA
From 13 to 15 April 2021, Switzerland presented its report on its implementation of the International Convention to the UN Committee. The report underlines Switzerland's commitment to worldwide efforts fighting the crime of enforced disappearance.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives new Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein Dominique Hasler

15.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Today, for the first time, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received Dominique Hasler, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of the Principality of Liechtenstein. This is the first official working visit of Liechtenstein's new foreign minister in Switzerland. It focused on cross-border and bilateral relations as well as European and international issues.

Swiss official development assistance at 0.48% of gross national income in 2020

13.04.2021 — Press release EDA
In 2020, Swiss official development assistance (ODA) amounted to CHF 3.343 billion, CHF 263 million more than in 2019. As a share of gross national income (GNI), Swiss ODA totalled 0.48%.

Humanitarian aid and Syria crisis at centre of Ignazio Cassis's visit to Lebanon

08.04.2021 — Press release EDA
During his visit to Lebanon, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited the port of Beirut and a hospital destroyed by the explosion of 4 August 2020, which was rebuilt with Switzerland's help. He also visited a settlement of Syrian refugees. Together with Foreign Minister Charbel Wehbe and President Michel Aoun he discussed the economic and political problems in Lebanon. This marked the final stage of Mr Cassis's trip to the Middle East, which also encompassed Iraq and Oman.

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

08.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer and Thomas Jordan, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, are attending the virtual Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) on 8 and 9 April 2021. The focus of the Annual Meetings, as well as the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, is on tackling the COVID-19 crisis globally and supporting poorer countries.

Working together for stability and peace in the Middle East

06.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Today in Muscat, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with the Omani Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of the Royal Office. Discussions focused on the joint efforts by Switzerland and Oman to promote peace and regional stability in the Middle East. Oman was the second stop on the head of the FDFA's tour of the Middle East.

Discussions focus on regional security during official visit by Ignazio Cassis to Iraq

04.04.2021 — Press release EDA
As part of his official visit to Iraq, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with his counterpart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi and the Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohamed al-Halbousi. Discussions focused on the MENA Strategy 2021–24, in particular Switzerland's commitment to promoting dialogue and regional stability. Iraq is the first stop on Mr Cassis's tour of the region, which will also take in Oman and Lebanon.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Iraq, Oman and Lebanon

01.04.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will visit Iraq, Oman and Lebanon from 3 to 8 April 2021. The trip’s main purpose is to hold talks on the priorities of the MENA Strategy 2021–24, with a particular focus on promoting dialogue, reducing regional tensions, sustainable development and humanitarian activities.

Consultation launched on partial amendment of the Host State Act

31.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has launched on 31.03.2021 a consultation on the partial amendment of the Host State Act. The purpose of amending the legislation is to ensure that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has favourable conditions for carrying out its international mandate. It follows a request from the ICRC and aims to take into account its particular situation with regard to occupational pension regime.

Swiss hostage killed in Mali identified

31.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The remains of the Swiss hostage killed in Mali have been found and identified. The woman's body will be repatriated to Switzerland as soon as possible. During his visit to Mali in February 2021 Federal Councillor Cassis discussed the matter at the highest level of government, urging for this case to be resolved.

Dubai World Expo: Swiss Pavilion completed

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has just completed the construction of its pavilion at Dubai World Expo. This is the final stretch before the opening of one of this year's most anticipated events, on 1 October 2021, under the theme 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.' The expo will provide a platform for exchange to more than 190 participating countries. It will position Switzerland and promote its economy in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland's most important trading partner in the MENA region.

Media (2652)

Federal Council in favour of Kazakhstan joining the Swiss constituency in the IMF/World Bank

21.07.2010 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council is in favour of Kazakhstan being included the Swiss constituency in the IMF and World Bank. It has responded favourably to an expression of interest by Kazakhstan.

Switzerland hands over to Germany documents on GDR assets

15.07.2010 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) yesterday handed to the German Embassy in Bern a series of bank documents that could shed light on the existence of possible misappropriated assets of parties and people’s organisations from former East Germany. The Federal Council made the decision to transfer the documents to Germany at its meeting on 30 June 2010. Germany had previously asked Switzerland for the documents in order to obtain further information about illegal financial movements before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The accounts that were found had been closed several years ago. At the time of closure, they did not hold any assets.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey attends OSCE meeting of ministers in Kazakhstan

15.07.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey is to attend the ministerial meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe being held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 16-17 July 2010. Foreign ministers and other high-ranking representatives of the 56 OSCE States will meet to discuss security in Europe and the role of the OSCE in European security policy.

2009 Annual Report on Switzerland’s international cooperation: Development cooperation is effective

13.07.2010 — Press release EDA
In the last five years 370'000 people have gained access to drinking water as a result of Swiss support. In Tanzania, where Switzerland is strongly committed in the health-care sector, child mortality has fallen by 40% in the last ten years. These and other results are presented in the Annual Report on Switzerland’s International Cooperation. In 2009, Switzerland channelled 0.47% of its gross national income to Official development assistance, placing it in the mid-range of OECD donor countries.

Against the death penalty for minors in Iran

06.07.2010 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is opposed to the execution of minors in Iran. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has asked the Iranian authorities to repeal a death sentence due to be carried out tomorrow, Wednesday.

Switzerland and Japan sign a Memorandum for intensified cooperation and a bilateral political dialogue

05.07.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, July 5 2010, the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Peter Maurer, and the Ambassador of Japan to Switzerland, Ichiro Komatsu, have signed a Memorandum on establishing a framework for intensified cooperation between the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Meeting of global microfinance experts in Bern

02.07.2010 — Press release EDA
Bern was the centre of the microfinance world from 28 June to 2 July 2010. The annual conference of the Social Performance Task Force (SPTF) at the Kursaal was attended by 200 specialists who exchanged views on achieving a sustainable financial market. SDC director Martin Dahinden and four leading microfinance experts held a media conference at which they summarised the outcome of the conference.

Switzerland’s priorities at the 65th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations

30.06.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, the Federal Council approved Switzerland’s priorities at the 65th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which will be presided over by Joseph Deiss. These objectives will soon be the subject of consultation with the foreign policy committees of the Swiss Parliament.

Interim report on success in achieving Millennium Development Goals

30.06.2010 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 30 June the Federal Council approved the Confederation’s interim report for 2010 on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The re-port is fundamentally positive on Switzerland’s contribution to achieving the Goals and notably shows, with numerous examples, what has been accom-plished in such areas as water, health and education.

Significant deepening of bilateral relationships between Switzerland and China

29.06.2010 — Press release EDA
At the end of her official working visit to China, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and Yang Jiechi, the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the first political dialogue meeting of high-ranking officials. For Switzerland and China, this is an important milestone on the road to intensifying their bilateral relationships. Earlier, the Head of the FDFA met with China's first Vice-Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing and also visited the wandering exhibition "Einstein 2010 – 2012". Her visit to China kicked off with an appearance at the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, where Switzerland is represented with a pavilion that has attracted much attention.

Human rights dialogue between Switzerland and Tajikistan

22.06.2010 — Press release EDA
The first round of the Human Rights Dialogue between Switzerland and Tajikistan took place on 22 June 2010 in Dushanbe. The dialogue was officially launched by Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey during her working visit to Central Asia in October 2009. The talks focused on a discussion of a number of human rights themes and the possibility of deepening the dialogue through specific projects.

Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey to make an official working visit to China

18.06.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will make an official working visit to China from 27-29 June 2010.

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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