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Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visits President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis in Ticino

11.08.2022 — Press release EDA
President Ignazio Cassis hosted the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Ticino on 11 August. After a working lunch, they visited Schindler AG together and exchanged views on the Swiss vocational education system.

War in Ukraine – Switzerland delivers an additional 100 tonnes of humanitarian supplies

10.08.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is continuing to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In the past few days, the FDFA has organised several convoys carrying 100 tonnes of supplies, including medical and sanitation equipment. These operations are part of the support efforts undertaken by the federal government since the start of the war. In cooperation with the DDPS, the FDFA has delivered over 5,300 tonnes of emergency aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries since March.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets with Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for talks in Bellinzona

06.08.2022 — Press release EDA
The talks between President Cassis and Prime Minister Kallas focused not only on bilateral relations and the war in Ukraine, but also on European policy. The use of new technologies in foreign policy was also discussed.

Digitalisation, UN Security Council, bilateral relations: State Secretary Livia Leu holds political consultations in India

02.08.2022 — Press release EDA
FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu met with Indian Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma in New Delhi on 2 August for political consultations on bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation and current foreign policy issues. India is one of the priority countries of Swiss foreign policy and Switzerland has close economic and scientific ties with the South Asian country.

The danger of nuclear weapons: President Cassis calls for concrete measures in New York

02.08.2022 — Press release EDA
President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis took part on 2 August 2022 in the Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York. In his speech, Mr Cassis emphasised that Russia's nuclear threats illustrated the need for a package of measures to reduce nuclear risks. Recent developments in Ukraine have also shown that civilian nuclear facilities must be protected in situations of armed conflict. Switzerland thus wants to ensure nuclear safety and security and give new impetus to nuclear disarmament. The Conference will end on 26 August.

President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis travels to New York for NPT review conference

29.07.2022 — Press release EDA
The 191 states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will meet in New York from 1 to 26 August 2022 for a review conference. President of the Confederation Ignazio Cassis will attend the conference on 2 August 2022. The NPT is the cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament, a process that has recently stalled due to increasing challenges. At the conference in New York, Switzerland will work to achieve concrete results that enable decisive action on nuclear disarmament.

Switzerland’s contribution to recognising the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

28.07.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is also committed at multilateral level to the respect of human rights, a healthy environment and a consistent, unified approach to environmental and human rights issues. As one of the initiators of a resolution in the UN General Assembly, it has contributed to the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a separate human right. The international community has reaffirmed that a healthy environment is an essential prerequisite for the full enjoyment of human rights, thus sending a strong political signal.

Switzerland hosts third NATO Partnerships 360 Symposium at Maison de la Paix in Geneva

12.07.2022 — Press release EDA
The Partnerships 360 Symposium, which takes place from 11 to 13 July, brings together allied and partner nations for a free exchange of ideas on the future evolution of NATO's partnerships policy. The symposium will be attended by 250 civilian and military representatives from NATO member and partner states. This is the first time that the symposium is being hosted by a NATO partner nation.

2030 Agenda: President Cassis calls for innovation, diversity and determination to implement the Sustainable Development Goals

12.07.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland has made progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. If it is to achieve the SDGs by 2030, however, it will have to pick up the pace. This was underlined by Jacques Ducrest, Delegate of the Federal Council for the 2030 Agenda, at the official presentation of Switzerland's second comprehensive voluntary national review to UN member states in New York. Representing Switzerland at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), State Secretary Ducrest highlighted three priority themes: responsible consumption and production; climate, energy and biodiversity; and equal opportunities and social cohesion. The Federal Council adopted Switzerland's voluntary national review on 4 May 2022.

UN Human Rights Council holds emergency debate on Afghanistan and adopts resolution put forward by Switzerland

08.07.2022 — Press release EDA
The 50th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), based in Geneva, concludes today after an intensive four-week programme of work. An emergency debate was held in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the human rights situation of women and girls in Afghanistan. This was also the final session for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, who has announced her intention to step down at the end of August.

Presentation of the Lugano Declaration as a political framework for reconstruction in Ukraine

05.07.2022 — Press release EDA
On Tuesday, 5 July, Switzerland and Ukraine, with the support of their international partners, closed the political segment of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) by presenting the Lugano Declaration. The document provides a framework for the political process of Ukraine's reconstruction and sets out the Lugano Principles as common benchmarks for the future.

Speech - Opening of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022)

04.07.2022 — Press release EDA
Speech by Ignazio Cassis, President of the Swiss Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA - Check against delivery

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President Cassis, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Shmyhal open URC2022

04.07.2022 — Press release EDA
On Monday, 4 July, President Ignazio Cassis together with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, via video link from Kyiv, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in person in Lugano, opened the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2022) to launch the reconstruction process at the international level. The conference, which in addition to Switzerland and Ukraine, was attended by delegations from the European Union, 39 states and 16 international organisations, runs until Tuesday. In his opening speech, President Cassis outlined the objectives of URC2022.

Switzerland and EU sign memorandum of understanding on second Swiss contribution

30.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Switzerland and the EU signed earlier today in Brussels a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states. State Secretary Livia Leu, who was in Brussels for exploratory talks, signed the MoU on behalf of Switzerland. The signing of this MOU marks another important milestone towards a swift implementation of the contribution.

Switzerland renews partnership with UN organisations

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.

New Swiss ambassadors

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.

Presentation of credentials

28.06.2022 — Press release EDA
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present credentials

FDFA State Secretary Livia Leu holds bilateral talks in Serbia and Kosovo

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.

State Secretary Martina Hirayama in Brussels

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.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis meets the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart

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.

Private security services provided abroad in 2021: sixth annual report of the FDFA

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.

Confederation to help fund Foundation for the ICRC until 2031 centenary

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.

Ukraine: Federal Council permits the exchange of cash for people seeking protection

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.

Path to reconstruction passes through Lugano – President Cassis presents plans for URC2022

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.

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Federal Council extends freeze on assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council decided to extend for one year the preventive freeze on the assets relating to Tunisia and Ukraine. The purpose of this decision is to support the judicial cooperation between Switzerland and these two states.

National human rights institution to be established in Switzerland

13.12.2019 — EDA
On 13 December 2019, the Federal Council approved the proposal to establish a national human rights institution (NHRI). The Federal Council has thereby strengthened its constitutionally enshrined commitment to human rights. With the model of a public corporation, it takes into account the results of the consultation procedure. The NHRI will be independent, include members from across society and receive an annual financial support from the Confederation.

Humanitarian aid responds to digital and climate challenges – 33rd Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent comes to a close

12.12.2019 — EDA
The 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent ended today in Geneva. The conference adopted six resolutions that will enable the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to improve its actions and adapt them to the needs of vulnerable groups, in a world where the demand for humanitarian aid has never been so high. The topic of digitalisation was on the agenda for discussion, for example in restoring family links broken by crisis situations. The conference was opened by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on Monday 9 December.

Ignazio Cassis calls for international humanitarian law to be strengthened at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

09.12.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis called for international humanitarian law to be strengthened in his opening speech at the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent taking place in Geneva from 9 to 12 December. Mr Cassis praised the vital work of the 17 million volunteers who make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

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

06.12.2019 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

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

02.12.2019 — 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.

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

02.12.2019 — 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.

Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis receive heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference

21.11.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillors Guy Parmelin and Ignazio Cassis held talks with the heads of government of the International Lake Constance Conference in Bern on 21 November. Talks focused on cross-border cooperation in the Lake Constance area, the New Regional Policy of the Federal Government and Switzerland's European policy.

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