Switzerland and the Republic of Türkiye enjoy close and diverse relations, which include engaging in regular high-level political dialogue and maintaining extensive business and trade links. The large diaspora from Türkiye plays an important bridge-building role in Switzerland.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–Turkey
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
The most recent official visit by a Turkish foreign minister (Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu) to Switzerland took place on 14 August 2020.
In April 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis traveled to Türkiye on the occasion of the centenary of the Treaty of Friendship between Switzerland and Türkiye and the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Relations between Switzerland and Türkiye have significantly intensified since 2008, and high-level visits have multiplied. The first visit to Türkiye by a President of the Swiss Confederation (Pascal Couchepin) took place in 2008. Abdullah Gül was the first Turkish president to pay a visit to Switzerland, in 2010. The annual political consultations held at the level of state secretaries, the consular consultations (since 2009), and regular meetings make it possible to address issues related to security, the economy, and migration within a critical and constructive dialogue.
Economic ties
In 2024, the total volume of trade exceeded CHF 10.0 billion (excluding gold: CHF 4.0 bln) , ranking Türkiye 16th among Switzerland's most important trading partners. As of 2023, Switzerland has invested CHF 4.0 billion in Türkiye, creating around 21’000 jobs and making Switzerland the country's 6th largest investor.
Türkiye is also a major tourist destination, over 400’000 Swiss tourists visited the country in 2024.Folowing the COVID pandemic, the number of Swiss visitors has been rising steadily since 2022. There is also a growing trend of Turkish tourists visiting Switzerland, reaching about 85’000 in 2024.
The instruments governing trade between Switzerland and Türkiye include the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement of 3 March 1988 and the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, which took effect on 1 January 2013. The 1991 Free Trade Agreement between the EFTA States and Türkiye (as amended), entered into force on 1 October 2021.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
Citizens of Türkiye are eligible for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Since 1961, 203 scholarships have been granted to Turkish citizens for research residencies, doctorates and post-doctorates in Switzerland (data updated as of 2024).
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Peacebuilding and human security
Human rights issues are addressed with Turkey in bilateral dialogue at political level.Switzerland also supports human rights projects on the ground.
Cultural exchanges
Cultural exchanges in Ankara and Istanbul are aimed at consolidating and creating long-term partnerships with Turkish cultural actors from governmental institutions, civil society, and partner organizations from third countries. They help build bridges and promote Switzerland’s values. Through exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and literary journeys, Swiss art, literature, and music are showcased, along with the country’s multilingualism and exchanges with cultural actors in Türkiye.
Cooperation between Switzerland and Türkiye in the field of cultural property protection is of particular importance. In November 2022, then-President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset and Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy signed in Ankara the bilateral agreement on the international transfer of cultural property. The objective of this agreement is to preserve the cultural heritage of both States. It strengthens the protection of cultural property dating back before 1500 AD, which are particularly vulnerable to looting. Through this agreement and the implementation of the Federal Act on the International Transfer of Cultural Property, Switzerland gives effect to the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
Swiss citizens in Türkiye
At the end of 2024, there were 5583 Swiss citizens living in Türkiye according to statistics on the Swiss abroad.
History of bilateral relations
Relations between Switzerland and Türkiye began to develop in the 19th century and have grown ever closer. Two major treaties that are essential to Türkiye were signed in Switzerland.
Key dates:
- 1899: The Ottoman Empire's first representation (a legation) is opened in Bern.
- 1923: First official contacts between Switzerland and Türkiye take place on the margins of the Lausanne Peace Conference. The peace treaty signed at the conference is regarded as having laid the foundations of modern Türkiye.
- 1925: The first Turkish representative presents his diplomatic credentials. Conclusion of a bilateral treaty of friendship.
- 1926: Türkiye largely adopts the Swiss Civil Code and Code of Obligations.
- 1928: Establishment of diplomatic relations with Switzerland opening a legation in Istanbul.
- 1936: Türkiye gains full sovereignty over the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits with the signing of the Montreux Convention.
- 1937: Relocation of the legation
