Here you can find the last 12 media releases and other news published by the FDFA, such as statements, announcements and articles, in chronological order.
All media releases can be found on the Administarions's website.
05.02.2009
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation prevailing in Sri Lanka. The disregard for humanitarian standards shown by combatants in the north of the country has resulted in many victims and seriously endangered some 200,000 civilians caught in the cross-fire. Following to this the FDFA makes an urgent call on all the parties to respect international humanitarian law and to stop the hostilities.
04.02.2009
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Press release
EDA
At its Annual Media Conference in Bern, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) provided details on its priority activities. The year 2009 promises to be one of enormous challenges, all the more so as the consequences of the financial, the food, and the climate crises particularly affect the populations of developing and transition countries. Thanks to the continuation of its reliable cooperation with partner countries in the South and in the East, Switzerland is doing its share to contribute to the mitigation of global crises.
31.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
During three days in Davos the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey had several bilateral meetings with other Foreign Ministers as well as with Heads of State and Government. Mrs. Calmy-Rey also met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, announced the launch of the “Global Governance Project” and addressed the Open Forum Davos on the subject of religion and human rights.
29.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
President Hans-Rudolf Merz today received the Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao on an official working visit. President Merz was joined in the discussions by Vice-President Doris Leuthard, Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. A new bilateral investment protection agreement was signed during the meeting. Both parties also agreed on the preparation of a joint feasibility study on a future free trade agreement.
24.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
Yesterday, for the first time since the outbreak of the armed conflict on 27 December 2008, a team from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA succeeded in gaining access to Gaza. Overall, three teams have been deployed at present with the mission of initiating the delivery of Swiss emergency aid to Gaza.
22.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
On 27 January, President Hans-Rudolf Merz will head a delegation to receive the Chinese Prime Minister, WEN Jiabao, on an official working visit to Bern. He will be accompanied by Vice-President Doris Leuthard, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Federal Councillor Pascal Couchepin, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs and Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
15.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
The FDFA condemns in the strongest terms the shelling by the Israeli army of the UNRWA headquarters and the Al-Quds Hospital, which is run by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the Gaza Strip. A warehouse containing relief supplies of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and a media centre were also hit during Thursday’s military operations.
09.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) strongly deplores the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza. The FDFA welcomes the resolution adopted by the Security Council calling for an immediate end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip and appeals to all parties to respect this. The FDFA calls for an impartial inquiry into the way International Humanitarian Law is being respected. To help cope with the humanitarian emergency the FDFA has decided to allocate an additional SFr 3 million in funding for humanitarian aid organisations. Furthermore the Department is preparing to send an emergency humanitarian relief mission to Gaza.
08.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
Lunedì prossimo a Parigi il Consigliere federale Moritz Leuenberger e il Segre-tario di Stato francese Dominique Bussereau firmeranno una dichiarazione d'intenti in merito alla collaborazione tra i due organismi nazionali preposti alla sicurezza nel settore ferroviario. L'obiettivo è di ridurre gli ostacoli nel traffico ferroviario tra i due Paesi.
08.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
On 12 January 2009, Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey, head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), will travel to Georgia for an official working visit.
05.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
The FDFA calls for an immediate end to the acts of violence which are intensifying the suffering of the civil population. The Humanitarian Aid of the Confederation is ready to reinforce its support to partner organisations operating in the Gaza Strip, notably UNRWA and the ICRC.
04.01.2009
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Press release
EDA
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs deplores the escalation of violence in Gaza. It has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In order to relieve the suffering of the civilian population and to guarantee humanitarian access, it has requested a durable reopening of crossings into Gaza.
29.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
Poverty, inequality, armed conflicts, pandemics and many other challenges can only be overcome if we join forces. The UN plays a central role in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Switzerland is part of these endeavours, which is why the Federal Council decided at its meeting of 29 June 2022 to contribute a total of CHF 316 million to four UN central development agencies for the period 2022–24.
29.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
A number of staff changes and conferments of ambassadorial titles have been announced for 2022 for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) as part of the usual transfer rotation and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council.
28.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met with Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Serbia's State Secretary Nemanja Starović, and others in Pristina and Belgrade on 27 and 28 June. Their talks focused on Switzerland's bilateral relations with these two countries and Switzerland's broad-based activities in the Western Balkans. Switzerland supports the greater involvement of both states in Europe in various ways. In addition, promoting the stability and economic development of the Western Balkans is a key pillar of Switzerland's foreign policy.
28.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
On 28 June, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, opened the SwissCore Annual Event in Brussels. During her visit, the State Secretary also held talks with Flemish Minister Jo Brouns and representatives of the Faroe Islands.
23.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
During his visit to Stuttgart, the President of the Confederation met with the Minister-President of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann. The meeting focused on Switzerland's relations with the European Union and their impact on close cross-border relations between Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg. The war in Ukraine was also discussed.
22.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
In 2021, the FDFA received 157 declarations from companies based in Switzerland that provided private security services abroad. This figure is derived from the sixth annual report on the implementation of the Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA). Three review procedures were initiated. No activities were prohibited. 2021 was strongly influenced by the effects of the revised ordinance. As a result of the revision, the number of activities subject to the obligation to declare has decreased significantly. The Federal Council took note of the report at its meeting on 22 June 2022.
22.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
At its meeting of 22 June 2022, the Federal Council decided to contribute up to CHF 100 million to increase the capital of the Foundation for the International Committee of the Red Cross until 2031, the year it will mark its 100th anniversary.
22.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
From 27 June 2022, people with Protection Status 'S' will be able to exchange a limited amount of Ukrainian banknotes for Swiss francs in a one-off transaction at selected bank branches. The Federal Council approved a cash exchange solution during its meeting on 22 June 2022.
20.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
On Monday, 20 June, at their traditional meeting, President Ignazio Cassis and the government of Ticino held discussions on preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022). High-level delegations from around 40 countries and 20 international organisations have been invited to attend the conference, which will take place in Lugano on 4 and 5 July. President Cassis briefed the media today in Bellinzona together with Ticino Cantonal Councillor Norman Gobbi, Police Commander Matteo Cocchi and representatives from the armed forces and fedpol.
17.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
At its European policy retreat on 17 June 2022, the Federal Council was briefed on the status of the exploratory talks between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council decided on this basis to step up the exploratory talks with the EU. It also took note of the final report on the removal of regulatory differences between Swiss and EU law. The scope for action and possible solutions identified in the final report will be taken into consideration in further exploratory talks with the EU.
10.06.2022 —
Press release
EDA
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2022) being held in Lugano on 4 and 5 July 2022 will focus on the reconstruction of Ukraine. The conference is taking place against the backdrop of heightened international tensions and comprehensive security measures are therefore needed. At its meeting on 10 June 2022, the Federal Council decided that the conference qualifies as an exceptional event. This means that the federal government will contribute to the security costs incurred by the canton of Ticino. The Federal Council also decided to deploy up to 1,600 military personnel on an ancillary basis, with air policing provided by the Swiss Armed Forces.
29.01.2022 —
EDA
Allocution du président de la Confédération Ignazio Cassis, chef du Département fédéral des affaires étrangères, à l’occasion du 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki - Check against delivery.
21.05.2021 —
EDA
Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), on the occasion of the 131st (virtual) Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Check against delivery.
04.09.2020 —
EDA
Camorino, 04.09.2020 - Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the Inauguration Ceremony "Ceneri2020" - Check against delivery
25.08.2020 —
EDA
Bern, 25.08.2020: Address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the retirement of the ambassadors and the welcoming of the young diplomats who are taking up their posts in the service of the FDFA. Check against delivery.
26.06.2020 —
EDA
Geneva, 26.06.2020: Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter - Check against delivery
29.01.2020 —
DEZA
The FDFA has showcased some innovative technology at the 50th WEF, which could reduce global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes per year. The SDC undertakes a range of projects in the construction industry, working in cooperation with academia and the private sector. The aim of these projects, which are located in emerging economies, is to tackle global warming effectively.
17.01.2020 —
Article
EDA
Just what is the perfect trip abroad? And where would it take you? Swiss travellers have different needs and expectations – some prefer to go on their own, others would rather choose an organised tour. It doesn't matter if you're a backpacker or a jet-setter: the FDFA provides a wide range of services for anyone who wants to travel abroad.
14.01.2020 —
Article
DEZA
Honeyland has been nominated for an Oscar in the categories Best International Feature Film and Best Documentary. The film’s hero, Hatidze Muratova, champions environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources. She was discovered through the Nature Conservation Programme launched by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
20.12.2019 —
EDA
At its meeting on 20 December 2019, the Federal Council approved an exchange of notes between Switzerland and Italy regarding the change of the customs status of the Italian enclave of Campione d'Italia. This exchange of notes is necessary to ensure legal certainty and facilitates the transition of Campione d'Italia into the European Union's customs territory, scheduled for 1 January 2020.
19.12.2019 —
EDA
On 16 and 17 December 2019 a third 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.
17.12.2019 —
EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has opened the Global Refugee Forum together with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The purpose of the forum, which takes place on 17 and 18 December at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, is to find shared solutions to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities.