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Unrest in Libya: Switzerland dispatches humanitarian teams

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
In agreement with the Egyptian and with the Tunisian authorities, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has dispatched one humanitarian aid team to the Egyptian border with Libya and another to the Tunisian border with Libya. Their primary tasks are to clarify needs on the ground and to initiate emergency relief measures.

Sanctions against Libya

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has discussed today the implementation of the sanctions against Libya adopted by the UN Security Council. In this context, the Federal Council has amended its Ordinance Against Certain Individuals from Libya of 21 February 2011.

Representative of the Libyan National Transitional Council in Bern

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, today met with a representative of the Libyan National Transitional Council for discussions.

Support for the transition processes

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
The uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East have changed the power structures in Tunisia and Egypt, and greatly increased pressure on governments in other states to move towards democracy. Switzerland has a clear interest in stable and democratic structures in this region, and in view of this the Federal Council intends to reinforce its commitment and, in addition to providing emergency aid, to resort to additional specific measures to support the transition processes. For emergency aid, in an initial step the sum of 12 million Swiss francs has been budgeted for the financing of programmes and projects, and 14 personnel from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit are to be deployed to the region.

Switzerland acknowledges the UN Security Council resolution on Libya

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
Switzerland is keeping a close watch on the suffering of the people of Libya. It acknowledges the resolution adopted yesterday by the United Nations Security Council, which provides for a no-fly zone over Libya and other measures, and hopes that rapid implementation of the UN resolution will bring an end to the suffering of the defenceless civilian population in Libya.

Switzerland to support the transition process in North Africa through cooperation in specific fields

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
At the Regional Ambassadors’ Conference in Tunis, the heads of the Swiss missions and cooperation offices in North Africa and the Middle East discussed concrete forms of cooperation to support the current process of transition in this region. Speaking at the conference in her capacity as head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey declared: “It is in Switzerland’s interests to work together with these countries in order to ensure the political and economic stability of this region.”

Official working visit of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan

03.05.2011 — Press release EDA
The President of the Swiss Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey today received the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan at the Lohn Manor in Kehrsatz near Bern for an official working visit. Their talks focused on bilateral relations, for example economic and development cooperation.

Inter-Palestinian reconciliation deal announced

28.04.2011 — Press release EDA
Switzerland takes positive note of the announcement issued on 27 April 2011 regarding the signing of an inter-Palestinian reconciliation agreement. It also wishes to welcome Egypt’s key role in brokering this deal.

First report of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Fighting Corruption (last modification, the 20.04.2011)

20.04.2011 — Press release EDA
On Wednesday, the Federal Council approved the first report of the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) on Fighting Corruption. This assessment of the current situation with regard to national and international activities to fight corruption confirms the high standard of integrity and resistance against corruption in Switzerland. At the same time, room for improvement was identified in some less central areas such as dealing with conflicts of interest and transparency. The report also states that the emerging markets should be held more strictly to account at the international level.

The Federal Council approves a contribution to a health programme in Lithuania

20.04.2011 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council has decided to allocate CHF 45.6 million to a programme for improvement of maternity and child care in Lithuania as part of Switzerland's enlargement contribution to the newly acceded EU countries. It will be jointly financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

World Malaria Day - Exhibition opened by Martin Dahinden, Director-General of the SDC

19.04.2011 — Press release EDA
Malaria affects two billion people across the world and takes the lives of a million children each year. In spite of the progress that has been made, it remains a serious obstacle to development. An exhibition in Bern which aims to raise public awareness will be opened on 26 April in the presence of Martin Dahinden, Director-General of the SDC. This event has been organised in conjunction with World Malaria Day.

Swiss initiative to improve the protection of human rights in the framework of UN sanctions against terrorism

19.04.2011 — Press release EDA
Upon the initiative of Switzerland, 11 countries are calling on the UN Security Council to strengthen due process guarantees in the sanctions system. They are asking that persons subject to sanctions be granted an effective remedy before an independent and impartial UN authority.

Media (2656)

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives North Macedonian Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani

17.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis received Foreign Minister of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on a courtesy visit to Bern on 17 March 2021. Mr Osmani was in Switzerland for a meeting with representatives of his country’s diaspora. The exchange focused on bilateral relations and Switzerland's significant involvement in North Macedonia.

Switzerland sets the tone at UN conference on women's participation in public life and decision-making

15.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The 65th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) will open on Monday 15 March 2021 in New York. The main focus of this year's session will be on the effective participation of women in decision-making in public life and on the elimination of violence against women. The Swiss delegation is led by Federal Councillor Alain Berset.

Federal Council concludes privileges and immunities agreement with GARDP

10.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council and the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) signed an agreement on 10 March 2021 concerning the privileges and immunities of the organisation in Switzerland. The GARDP plays a major role in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Women's Human Rights app: Switzerland presents its digital tool for women's rights

08.03.2021 — Press release EDA
On this year's International Women's Day, the FDFA will present the new improved version of its Women's Human Rights app (W'sHR app). The new version of the app will be launched in New York in the presence of the UN secretary-general and the president of the UN General Assembly. The free app is an innovative digital database on women's rights and gender equality. It can be used to facilitate negotiations and contribute to the efficiency of multilateral processes, putting digitalisation at the service of human rights.

Alleviating suffering and promoting sustainable development: SDC allocates programme contributions for 2021–22

03.03.2021 — Press release EDA
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has signed contracts with 27 partner organisations for programme contributions totalling around CHF 270 million for the 2021–22 period. The international programmes of Swiss NGOs contribute to the implementation of the objectives of Switzerland's new International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24.

Peter Düggeli appointed new head of FDFA Communication

02.03.2021 — Press release EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has appointed Peter Düggeli, Swiss Radio and Television's US correspondent, as the new head of communication at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Düggeli will take up his post on 1 April.

Switzerland pledges CHF 14 million for humanitarian aid in Yemen

01.03.2021 — Press release EDA
FDFA head and Vice President of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis pledged a CHF 14 million humanitarian aid package at an online conference to raise funds for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

Ensuring international peace and security: climate and security (virtual) (fr)

23.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Bern, 23.02.2021 – Address by the Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on the occasion of the UN Security Council - Check against delivery

UN Security Council: Statement by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on climate and security

23.02.2021 — Press release EDA
During an open debate of the UN Security Council, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis expresses Switzerland's views on the impact of climate change on peace and international security. During a high-level debate, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) outlines Switzerland's contribution to conflict prevention and why cross-sectoral cooperation is crucial in the fight against climate change.

Ignazio Cassis launches first 'Emna Rumantscha' with Canton of Graubünden

18.02.2021 — Press release EDA
'Rumantsch: in ferm toc Svizra' (Romansh: an essential part of Switzerland). This is the motto under which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is launching the first ever Romansh language week in Switzerland and abroad. On 19 February, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis – in collaboration with the Canton of Graubünden and Radiotelevisiun Svizra Rumantscha (RTR) – is inviting people to an online launch event dedicated to Switzerland's fourth national language. Together with the representations abroad, the FDFA wants to promote greater knowledge of the Romansh language and culture, which is a key component of Switzerland's national cohesion.

New Swiss ambassadors

17.02.2021 — Press release EDA
A number of personnel changes have been announced for several Swiss representations abroad and at the head office of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in Bern for 2020/2021. These changes are part of the usual transfer rotation and are based on appointments made by the Federal Council. The appointment of heads of mission abroad becomes effective following approval by the respective host state.

Ignazio Cassis concludes his African tour in Senegal and The Gambia

13.02.2021 — Press release EDA
Following his visit to Algeria and Mali, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, travelled to Senegal on 11 February 2021 for a two-day visit. In Dakar he met Senegalese President Macky Sall and Foreign Minister Aissata Tall Sall. At the centre of discussions were the priorities of Switzerland's new Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy 2021–24 and Swiss engagement in Senegal regarding vocational education and training and digitalisation. Mr Cassis then travelled to The Gambia, where various official meetings and visits were on the programme.

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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

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.

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.

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

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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