Switzerland appeals to release all Political Prisoners in Myanmar

15.05.2009 — Press release EDA
The Swiss government is concerned about reports of deterioration in the state of health of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her transfer to a prison. The Swiss Government appeals to the Government of Myanmar to release immediately and unconditionally all political prisoners in the country, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Reception of the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Bern

14.05.2009 — Press release EDA
Today President Merz received the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on a visit to Bern. Along with bilateral relations, topics of discussion focussed on the European policies of both countries, the impact of the financial crisis on Switzerland and the Ukraine and multilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Talks of Swiss Foreign Minister in Stockholm

13.05.2009 — Press release EDA
The Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, participated in talks in Stockholm on 13 May to which her Swedish counterpart Carl Bildt had invited a number of representatives of European states that do not belong to the European Union.

Federal Council takes decision to sign amended Agreement on the Carriage of Goods between Switzerland and the EU

13.05.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has approved the changes in the international movement of goods and has taken the decision to sign the amended Agreement on the Carriage of Goods between Switzerland and the EU. The amendments are based on the new EU security requirements for the international movement of goods. After the signing, parliament will take the decision on approving the revised agreement. Subject to the approval of the committees in charge, it should be implemented provisionally from 1 July 2009.

Council of Europe ministers’ meeting in Madrid

11.05.2009 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey will travel to Madrid on 11-12 May 2009 to attend the Committee of Ministers meeting of the Council of Europe. The event will enable Switzerland to prepare its presidency of the Council of Europe, which begins on 18 November 2009 and will end in mid-May 2010.

Switzerland welcomes the release of US-Iranian citizen Saberi

11.05.2009 — Press release EDA

Visit of the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko to Bern

06.05.2009 — Press release EDA
On 14 May 2009 President Merz will receive the Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko in Bern, in the presence of the Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey. Along with bilateral relations, topics of discussion will focus on the European policies and multilateral cooperation of both countries.

Official working visit to Bern by Macedonian foreign minister Antonio Milososki

04.05.2009 — Press release EDA
On 4 May Macedonian foreign minister Antonio Milososki made an official working visit to Bern, where he held talks with his counterpart Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey.

Switzerland provides humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka and renews its appeals for compliance with international law

30.04.2009 — Press release EDA
In light of the dramatic situation in the north of Sri Lanka, the FDFA is providing emergency humanitarian aid and continues to insist on compliance with international humanitarian law. The victims of the conflict must be protected and helped, and access by humanitarian actors must be guaranteed.

Mobutu assets to remain frozen awaiting outcome of complaints procedure

30.04.2009 — Press release EDA
The Swiss government (Federal Council) was informed on 27 April 2009 of the lodging of a complaint with the Federal Criminal Court. This procedure was initiated by a private person in reaction to the decision of the Office of the Attorney General not to act upon the criminal complaint lodged in January 2009 with regard to the Mobutu assets. In order to give the Court sufficient time to consider the new complaint, the Federal Council has decided that the assets shall remain frozen until 31 October 2009, rather than as originally intended until 30 April 2009.

Appointment of a Head of Post in Genoa

30.04.2009 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs announces the following appointment:

Conclusion of the Durban Review Conference in Geneva

24.04.2009 — Press release EDA
The Durban Review Conference has sent a strong message to the victims of racism thanks to the final text it adopted by consensus. It also constitutes an unequivocal statement by the international community in support of the fight against racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. The follow-up process to the 2001 Durban Conference has advanced the fight against racism in Switzerland. Civil society was a very active partner both during the Conference itself as well as in the margins. The demonstrations organised by civil society this week were orderly and peaceful.

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.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives IFAD President Gilbert Houngbo

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met with the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Gilbert Houngbo, on Tuesday 30 March 2021. Both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to further reducing rural poverty and hunger worldwide.

Europe was the main continent of residence for Swiss citizens abroad in 2020

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
At the end of 2020, more than one in ten Swiss citizens lived abroad. Almost two thirds lived in Europe, notably in France. Their number increased by 0.7% compared with 2019. The increase in the number of persons aged 65 and over was the most marked (+2.8%). Overall, the share of women remained greater than that of men, according to the results of the statistics on the Swiss abroad from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Presentation of credentials

30.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants: the international community's responsibility – Switzerland's commitment

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

The first United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants is taking place on 19 September 2016 in New York and will see the international community adopt joint measures in response to the large movements of refugees and migrants. Switzerland will be focusing in particular on improving protection on the ground, preventing forced displacement and finding sustainable solutions for directly affected populations.

Switzerland aims to protect refugees and give them the chance of a brighter future

16.09.2016 — Article DEZA

Switzerland is taking part in the United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants on 19 September. Eduard Gnesa, Special Ambassador for International Cooperation on Migration Issues, talks about the challenges facing the international community as a result of the refugee situation. 

Earthquake in Italy: Switzerland offers its condolences

24.08.2016 — Article EDA

Italy was hit by a major earthquake on Wednesday, claiming many victims. There are as yet no reports of any Swiss victims. Didier Burkhalter offers Switzerland's support.

Didier Burkhalter takes part in the filming of a documentary on child soldiers

24.08.2016 — Article EDA

Bern, 24 August 2016 – The head of the FDFA takes part in the filming of a documentary on child soldiers. Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to the protection of children recruited into armed groups in conflicts.

Switzerland supports UNDP in crisis prevention and recovery

23.05.2016 — Article DEZA

The United Nations Development Programme helps countries to prevent armed conflicts and violence, and to build better and stronger societies in the aftermath of crises. Switzerland will provide additional support to its crisis prevention and recovery programs. On 23 May 2016, Federal Councilor Didier Burkhalter and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark have signed a partnership agreement of CHF 13.8 million at the margins of the World Humanitarian Summit.

Switzerland underscores the importance of the private sector in achieving gender equality

17.03.2016 — Article EDA

Gender equality is one of Switzerland's priority areas in its international cooperation. Switzerland believes the private sector has a key role to play in fostering equality. "Smart economics means empowering women, promoting girls and bringing about gender equality". These were the words of Benno Bättig, Secretary General of the FDFA, in his speech opening a panel discussion with business representatives from all over the world. The event on the role of business in achieving gender equality, which was organised by the UN Global Compact and UN Women as a side event at the 60th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), focused on the multiplier effect of women's economic empowerment for sustainable development.

«Women play a key role in Chad’s economy»

08.03.2016 — Article DEZA

Over half of Chad’s population is female. Women are increasingly participating in local economic activity thanks to measures aimed at improving education and literacy. They play a key role in the SDC’s project on the management of run-off water in Chad’s Sahel region.

Focus on mediation

23.12.2015 — Article EDA

Switzerland is seeking to become more actively involved in mediation. This commitment was reaffirmed by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter at the 2015 annual conference of the FDFA's Human Security Division (HSD). In this, Switzerland can build upon its long-standing tradition as a mediator.

FDFA 2016 annual objectives

22.12.2015 — Article EDA

The new annual objectives for the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs were adopted during the winter session of 2015, setting out foreign policy measures to implement the Federal Council’s objectives.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter reappointed

09.12.2015 — Article EDA

The Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been re-elected with the second-highest number of votes since 1962.

Switzerland assists thousands on the move

07.12.2015 — Article DEZA

When Hungary closed its border with Croatia on 17 October, hundreds of thousands of migrants moved further west and redirected their route through the West Balkans. As Slovenia, a country of a mere two million people, had to bear the brunt of this new development, it turned to Switzerland for help. Since mid-November a team of five experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit has supported the Slovenian authorities as well as NGOs to tackle this giant task.

"The Paris agreement aims to reverse the trend in CO2 emissions"

26.11.2015 — Article DEZA

The COP21 climate conference is taking place in Paris from 30 November to 11 December 2015 and will be attended by a Swiss delegation. Pio Wennubst, Assistant Director General of the SDC, describes Switzerland's contribution to the conference and its activities in the field of climate change, and explains why climate change is a particular challenge for developing countries.