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Cholera epidemic in Haiti: SDC sends more experts

22.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, a doctor and a nurse have been sent to Haiti to assist in the fight against the cholera epidemic. This follows up on the secondment at the end of October of water experts to Haiti to support the state authorities in ensuring the supply of clean drinking water. The doctor and the nurse will be seconded to the Albert Schweizer Hospital in the Department of Artebonite, the most severely affected region of the country.

Switzerland’s contribution to EU enlargement: an interim review

19.11.2010 — Press release EDA
At the Annual Conference on Swiss Cooperation with Central and Eastern Europe, Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, and Elżbieta Bieńkowska, the Polish Minister for Regional Development, together with other speakers from Switzerland and abroad conducted a review of the progress made to date on the implementation of EU enlargement contribution projects: implementation is proceeding satisfactorily. Around 350 people attended the annual conference.

Official working visit to Bern by the Japanese Deputy-Foreign Minister, Yutaka Banno

19.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, has received the Japanese Deputy-Foreign Minister, Yutaka Banno, for official talks. The subjects of the discussions included climate change as well as cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Mr Banno also met the Director of the Federal Office for Energy, Mr Walter Steinmann.

The Federal Council opens consultations on the Convention on Cluster Munitions

18.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Today, the Federal Council has initiated a consultation process on the ratification of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, CCM. The CCM places a comprehensive ban on the use, development and production, as well as the acquisition, transfer and stockpiling of cluster munitions.

The Federal Council to continue its support for the three Geneva Centres

17.11.2010 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council intends to continue the Confederation’s support for the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Today, it has submitted a Dispatch to Parliament in which it applies for a framework credit of CHF 119.9 million.

Übergabe des Beglaubigungsschreibens

16.11.2010 — Press release EDA

The Swiss Permanent Mission to the EU celebrates its 50th anniversary

15.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Fifty years ago, Switzerland opened a mission to the European Communities in Brussels. Today, the Swiss Permanent Mission to the European Union celebrates this anniversary in the presence of Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. In her address to some 350 guests, Federal Councillor Calmy-Rey drew an overall positive picture of relations between Switzerland and the European Union, and spoke about future developments.

Switzerland welcomes the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

13.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest this Saturday. Switzerland welcomes the release of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

4th Global Forum on Migration and Development – Switzerland to Chair the Forum in 2011

10.11.2010 — Press release EDA
The 4th Global Forum on Migration and Development is scheduled to take place on 10 and 11 November 2010 in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), where the representatives of some 150 States will hold discussions on how to enhance international cooperation in the domain of migration and development. The Swiss delegation, to be led by Eduard Gnesa, Special Envoy for international cooperation on migration issues, will be preparing Switzerland’s chairmanship of the Forum in 2011.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey’s meeting with the Elders

09.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey had a meeting with members of the Elders on 9 November 2010 in Mont-Pèlerin. Both former US President Jimmy Carter and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan were among the group of renowned international personalities. The purpose of this meeting was to engage in an in-depth exchange on various themes of international significance.

International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers signed by close to 60 companies

09.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Geneva, 9 November 2010 - Today, close to 60 private security providers signed an international code of conduct and committed to respecting human rights and humanitarian law in their operations. The initiative for this document, which is the first of its kind, was launched jointly by Switzerland and industry associations with the support of main governmental clients, humanitarian organisations and civil society.

Medieneinladung: Der Schweizer Beitrag an die erweiterte Europäische Union: Eine Zwischenbilanz

09.11.2010 — Press release EDA
Seit Juni 2007 setzt die Schweiz Projekte im Rahmen des Erweiterungsbeitrags zu Gunsten der jüngsten EU-Mitgliedsstaaten um. Nun ziehen das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft SECO und die Direktion für Entwicklung und Zusammenarbeit DEZA eine Zwischenbilanz: Am 19. November 2010 (13:30-17:30 Uhr) in Aarau vermitteln Gäste aus allen Partnerländern und der Schweiz ein aktuelles Bild des Schweizer Erweiterungsbeitrags. Unter anderen referieren Bundesrat Johann Schneider-Ammann, Vorsteher des Eidgenössischen Volkswirtschaftsdepartements (EVD), Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Ministerin für Regionalentwicklung, Polen, sowie DEZA-Direktor Martin Dahinden.

Media (2625)

Swiss foreign policy under the COVID-19 pandemic

03.02.2021 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 3 February 2021, the Federal Council approved the 2020 Foreign Policy Report. The report provides an overview of the priorities of Swiss foreign policy in the past year, most of which was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. Other priorities were European policy and the implementation of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23.

Federal Council adopts dispatch on UN Global Compact for Migration

03.02.2021 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 3 February 2021, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the UN Global Compact for Migration ('Global Compact'). The dispatch reiterates the view, adopted by the Federal Council in autumn 2018, that Parliament's assent to the Global Compact is in Switzerland's interests. The objectives set out in the Global Compact are consistent with the priorities set out in Switzerland's migration policy. Assenting to the Global Compact would not require any action on domestic policy or create any new financial commitments or responsibilities. The dispatch provides the basis for Parliament to scrutinise the Global Compact, which was adopted by UN member states in 2018.

FDFA statement on the seizure of power by the military in Myanmar

01.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is deeply concerned about the recent incidents in Myanmar. It calls for the release of all those detained and for the immediate resumption of dialogue and the democratic process leading to greater freedom, peace, respect for human rights and development in the country.

IC: more impact in cooperation with the private sector

28.01.2021 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) concretises its principles for cooperation with the private sector. Two new documents outline the main action areas for the next few years, which are aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy (IC).

Head of FDFA Communication announces departure

25.01.2021 — Press release EDA
Sebastian Hueber is leaving his post as head of FDFA Communication after two years. Having completed the division’s reorganisation, he will now be turning his attention to new tasks.

Stepping up education in emergencies through enhanced cooperation

25.01.2021 — Press release EDA
The Geneva Global Hub for Education in Emergencies was officially launched on 25 January 2021. During the 2019 Global Refugee Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland pledged to position International Geneva as a global centre for education in emergencies. Over 127 million children in humanitarian crises and conflict regions cannot go to school. More than 40% of the 80 million displaced people are children; the majority of these children have no access to education, resulting in a lack of prospects, increased violence against children and lost generations. The Hub, the development of which Switzerland has played a major role in, aims to change this.

Earthquake in Croatia: Switzerland responds to appeal for emergency shelters

22.01.2021 — Press release EDA
Thousands lost their homes as a result of the earthquake that hit Croatia at the end of last year. In response to a request from the Croatian authorities, Swiss Humanitarian Aid is supplying emergency shelters to the earthquake survivors. A total of CHF 400,000 has been allocated to the relief operation.

Patric Franzen and Johannes Matyassy appointed Deputy State Secretaries in the restructured State Secretariat FDFA

13.01.2021 — Press release EDA
The newly restructured State Secretariat of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA started work at the beginning of 2021. It comprises six geographic, five thematic divisions as well as four divisions providing specific services. Now located under one roof, their close proximity will result in greater coherence in Swiss foreign policy as a whole. The State Secretariat is headed by State Secretary Livia Leu. She will be supported by two Deputy State Secretaries, Patric Franzen and Johannes Matyassy, who also have line management responsibilities. The Federal Council has been informed about the appointment of the two deputy state secretaries on 13 January 2021.

Federal Council stresses Africa’s importance and adopts first continent-wide strategy

13.01.2021 — Press release EDA
At its meeting on 13 January 2021 the Federal Council approved a strategy on Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. The countries of North Africa are already covered by the MENA strategy adopted by the Federal Council on 14 October 2020. The new strategy recognises the great diversity of the African continent and the challenges and opportunities it presents. It sets out Switzerland's priorities and measures in the region for the 2021–24 period. In addition to peace, the core elements of the strategy are security and human rights, migration, prosperity, sustainability and digitalisation, areas in which the strategy builds on a tradition of partnership with the states of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Switzerland and The Gambia sign cooperation agreements on migration and civil aviation

12.01.2021 — Press release EDA
On 12 January Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, as vice president of the Federal Council, and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter signed two cooperation agreements – on civil aviation and on migration – during the official visit to Bern by a delegation from the Republic of The Gambia, headed by Vice President Isatou Touray. The agreement on migration allows Switzerland and The Gambia to strengthen their respective efforts in fighting illegal migration.

Presentation of credentials

12.01.2021 — Press release EDA
Presentation of credentials ceremony of the new Ambassadors in Switzerland

The FDFA Is concerned about the recent incidents in Washington D.C.

07.01.2021 — Press release EDA
The day after the recent incidents in Washington D.C., Livia Leu, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), expressed Switzerland's concern about the violence and especially the deaths to the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy. The peaceful transition of power is a central element of a democracy. Switzerland trusts in the strength of American institutions.

Other news (297)

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.

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

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.

Opening Ceremony for the new Consulate General in Chicago

23.09.2019 — EDA
Chicago, 23.09.2019 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - 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.

Carefree travel with the FDFA's new Travel Admin app

21.09.2019 — EDA
On 21 September, the FDFA launched its new Travel Admin app for Swiss nationals travelling or living abroad. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in the app's official launch in Zurich Airport's main departure terminal and tried it out himself before boarding a flight to the United States. The app is designed to help Swiss citizens plan their stays abroad and to enable the authorities to reach them in the event of a crisis or disaster.

Switzerland and Slovenia stress strong ties and dynamic exchanges

19.09.2019 — EDA
Slovenian President Borut Pahor paid an official visit to Switzerland on Thursday, 19 September. President Ueli Maurer and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received the Slovenian delegation at the Lohn country residence. Both sides stressed the strong ties between the two countries and the dynamic state of relations.

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