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10 years on from civil war: FDFA troubled by fresh tensions in Sri Lanka

17.05.2019 — Press release EDA
18 May 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. On this day, Switzerland will remember the many victims of this armed conflict. At the same time, the FDFA is deeply concerned about the recent flare-up in tensions and calls on the Sri Lankan government to do everything in its power to safeguard and strengthen peace and stability in the country.

FDFA State Secretary on official visit to South Korea for political talks and inauguration of new Swiss embassy building

17.05.2019 — Press release EDA
FDFA State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl met her South Korean counterpart Mr Cho Hyun, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, for political talks today in Seoul. Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and the strengthening of the multilateral system. Ms Baeriswyl also took part in the inauguration of the new Swiss embassy building in Seoul and along with her South Korean counterpart signed the protocol revising the double taxation agreement between the two countries.

#SwissTech: Switzerland showcases smart technologies in Paris

16.05.2019 — Press release EDA
From 16 to 18 May 2019, Switzerland will take part in Viva Technology (VivaTech) in Paris, one of Europe's foremost technology fairs. The Swiss pavilion, part of Presence Switzerland's current #SwissTech campaign, will feature an interactive show of innovative technologies that help people lead more networked, informed and sustainable lives.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis discusses multilateral cooperation and security in Europe with Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajčák

16.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Mr Cassis, who is the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), has met Mr Lajčák in Bratislava during a working visit to Slovakia. Both foreign ministers highlighted the positive development of their countries bilateral ties and discussed the institutional agreement between Switzerland and the European Union (EU). Talks concerning multilateral cooperation focused on security in Europe and the work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Mr Lajčák is the current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. Slovakia also currently holds the presidency of the Visegrad Group (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) and will soon assume the chairmanship of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Federal Council approves revised foreign policy on health

15.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to take action in six key areas of international health policy, including sustainable healthcare, global health governance and protection against global health risks. At its meeting on 15 May, the Federal Council adopted the revised Health Foreign Policy for 2019–2024, which addresses current global challenges and is aligned with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Swiss representation in Belarus to be upgraded to full embassy

15.05.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 15 May 2019, the Federal Council decided to upgrade the Swiss representation in Minsk to a full embassy. The decision was based on the steadily growing relations between Switzerland and Belarus. The embassy in Minsk is planned to be opened officially this year by the head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travels to Slovakia for working visit and Finland for Council of Europe ministers' meeting

14.05.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Bratislava on 16 May 2019 for bilateral talks with the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs Miroslav Lajčák. He will then attend the Council of Europe ministerial session in Helsinki on 17 May.

Joining forces against natural disasters: international conference on disaster risk reduction opens in Geneva tomorrow

14.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) will be opened by SDC Director General Manuel Sager on 15 May. The international conference, which runs until 17 May, will see over 4,000 experts from some 150 countries discuss global policies on natural disaster prevention. The results are expected to guide UN policy in this area.

Ignazio Cassis marks centenary of International Labour Organization with António Guterres and meets UN executive heads

08.05.2019 — Press release EDA
On 8 May 2019, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Geneva to commemorate with António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The creation of the ILO and – in the same year – the League of Nations, marked the beginning of multilateralism in Geneva. The head of the FDFA took the opportunity to meet the 31 heads of the UN specialised agencies, which are holding a meeting from 8 to 10 May 2019 in Geneva.

Escalation of hostilities in north-western Syria – FDFA statement

08.05.2019 — Press release EDA
The FDFA is deeply concerned by the escalation of hostilities in the Syrian province of Idlib and calls on the parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table. Furthermore, it calls on the states guaranteeing the 'de-escalation zone' and the signatory states of the Sochi Agreement to do everything in their power to comply with international law, especially humanitarian law, and to work towards an end to hostilities.

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.

Media (2406)

Swiss initiative: intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars is now a war crime

06.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Following a Swiss initiative, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will from now on be able to prosecute the intentional starvation of civilians in civil wars as a war crime. The ICC Assembly of States Parties took a unanimous decision to this effect earlier today. It strengthens the protection of victims of war.

Swiss diplomat Heidi Grau named OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine

05.12.2019 — Press release EDA
In a triumph for Swiss diplomacy, the 26th Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has opened with the Chairperson-in-Office, Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák, appointing Ambassador Heidi Grau as Special Representative for Ukraine. A renowned Swiss expert on Eastern Europe, Ambassador Grau thus assumes a key role in working towards an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis welcomes the news of her appointment and considers this a testament to the reputation Swiss diplomacy enjoys within and beyond the OSCE.

Cooperation with the UN Security Council in the fight against terrorism: Switzerland's pioneering role

05.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the United Nations cooperate closely in the fight against terrorism. On Thursday in New York, Switzerland presented to the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) the latest developments in its anti-terrorism measures following last year's visit by UN experts.

Walter Kälin appointed to UN High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement

04.12.2019 — Press release EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) welcomes UN Secretary-General António Guterres' decision to appoint Swiss law professor Walter Kälin as one of the experts of the UN's newly established High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement, which is tasked with finding solutions to internal displacement and alleviating its impact.

An exhibition to further understanding the importance of humanitarian principles

04.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Humanitarian action is centred on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Together with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting an exhibition and forum for debate on humanitarian action and its founding principles. The art installation will run until March 2020 at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva.

Switzerland increases earthquake aid to Albania

03.12.2019 — Press release EDA
With the region repeatedly shaken by aftershocks, the rapid response team sent by Swiss Humanitarian Aid (part of the SDC) to the Tirana/Durres area is pursuing three lines of action: The specialists are assessing the stability of damaged houses, aid deliveries have started, and people in the affected areas are to receive financial support.

Adaptation of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics with the European Union

02.12.2019 — Press release EDA
During its 5th meeting held at Luxembourg on 2 December 2019, the Swiss-EU statistics committee adopted a decision concerning the revision of Annex A of the bilateral agreement in the area of statistics. This revision, which results from a decision of the Federal Council from 22 May 2019, thus makes it possible to continue the good statistical collaboration between Switzerland and the EU. The new Annex A comes into force with immediate effect.

Incident at the Swiss embassy in Sri Lanka: State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl summons Sri Lankan ambassador to the FDFA

02.12.2019 — Press release EDA
Following several demarches from the FDFA over the incident concerning an employee of the Swiss embassy in Colombo, State Secretary Pascale Baeriswyl has received the Sri Lankan ambassador to Switzerland based in Berlin, Karunasena Hettiarachchi, in Bern. Ms Baeriswyl confirmed at the meeting that Switzerland supports measures to investigate and settle this matter by due process of law. However, the employee concerned still cannot be questioned on health grounds.

Switzerland receives Liechtenstein's new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture on her first official visit abroad

28.11.2019 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger in Bern on Thursday during her official working visit. The two foreign ministers discussed a number of topics, including this year's centenary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. They also exchanged views on EU relations and on various current international issues.

Übergabe des Beglaubigungsschreibens (de)

28.11.2019 — Press release EDA
Übergabe der Beglaubigungsschreiben der neu in der Schweiz akkreditierten Botschafterinnen und Botschafter

Strengthening international humanitarian law: Switzerland participates in the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

27.11.2019 — Press release EDA
Following a decision by the Federal Council on 27 November, Switzerland will participate in the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva from 9 to 12 December. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will lead the Swiss delegation. Switzerland is committed to strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, one of the key issues to be addressed at the conference. Switzerland also supports the use of new technologies to ensure faster and more efficient humanitarian responses.

SDC Assistant Director General Christian Frutiger to represent Switzerland on the Board of Governors of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

27.11.2019 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 27 November 2019, the Federal Council appointed Christian Frutiger, Head of Global Cooperation at the SDC, as the new IFAD Governor for Switzerland. IFAD enables the rural poor to improve their food security and nutrition, raise their incomes and strengthen their resilience, a mandate which aligns with Switzerland's development policy priorities.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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