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Switzerland elected to UNESCO World Heritage Committee

24.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has been elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee by the General Assembly of States Parties. The 25th session took place today at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The seat is for the 2025-29 period. The election is part of Switzerland's long-standing commitment to protecting cultural and natural heritage in the face of today's challenges.

Francophonie and prospects for peace at heart of Ignazio Cassis' meetings in DRC and Rwanda

22.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, has just spent two days in East and Central Africa. Peace efforts to resolve the crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) formed the focal point of his visit to Kinshasa on Friday 21 November. On Thursday 20 November, Mr Cassis inaugurated the new Swiss embassy in Rwanda, a symbol of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries, and took part in the 46th Francophonie Ministerial Conference.

Ignazio Cassis travels to East Africa to attend Francophonie conference and strengthen relations with Rwanda

20.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, was in Kigali on Thursday 20 November to attend the 46th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference. He also met with the Rwandan Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, and the foreign minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe. During his visit, Mr Cassis presided over a ceremony to inaugurate the new Swiss embassy in Rwanda – a symbol of the strengthening of ties between the two countries. His visit to the region will continue on 21 November in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Humanitarian crisis in Sudan: Federal Council requests emergency aid package for civilians

19.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
In view of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 19 November 2025 to request an urgent supplementary credit of CHF 50 million from Parliament to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Sudan and the surrounding region. Food, drinking water and medicines are needed for the people of Sudan, whose situation has deteriorated further since the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the town of El Fasher. The conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has led to what is currently the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. Switzerland has provided humanitarian aid totalling CHF 140 million since the outbreak of the conflict in 2023.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visits Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

18.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
The head of the FDFA will visit Central and Eastern Africa from 20 to 21 November 2025. In Kigali, Mr Cassis will take part in the 46th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference, before inaugurating the new Swiss embassy in the city and meeting his Rwandan counterpart. He will then travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for talks with the Congolese minister of foreign affairs. Mr Cassis' visit to the DRC will focus on the conflict in the east of the country and Switzerland's efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends the first Conference on the Italian Language

18.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
At the invitation of the vice-president of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, Antonio Tajani, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, represented Switzerland at the first Conference on the Italian Language in Rome on 18 November 2025. The event brought together countries and communities linked by the Italian language and saw the adoption of the founding declaration of the Community of Italian Speakers. The conference was also an opportunity for Mr Cassis to meet ministers from various countries, including Romania, Kosovo, San Marino, Slovenia and Somalia as well as the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi.

Federal Councillor Cassis meets German foreign minister Wadephul in Berlin

14.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, was in Berlin from 13 to 14 October 2025, where he met Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul for official talks. The agenda covered bilateral relations and cross-border cooperation, the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU, and geopolitical matters including the situation in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Mr Cassis also met with the German minister for economic cooperation and development, Reem Alabali Radovan.

Declaration of intent between the USA and Switzerland on US additional tariffs

14.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the United States. On this basis, the United States will reduce the country-specific additional tariff to 15%.

Hurricane Melissa in Caribbean: Switzerland supports efforts to restore essential services

13.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Some two weeks after it hit the region, the impact of Hurricane Melissa continues to severely disrupt daily life for people in Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has sent support in the form of specialists and equipment, and allocated CHF 1.3 million to help meet the needs of those affected in the three countries.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations in Bern with Austria

13.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
State Secretary Alexandre Fasel held political consultations in Bern on 13 November 2025. His talks with Nikolaus Marschik, the secretary-general of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, focused on current geopolitical developments, bilateral issues and relations between Switzerland and the EU.

Ignazio Cassis to travel to Berlin

11.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will be in Berlin from 13 to 14 November 2025. He will meet with the German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, and the minister for economic cooperation and development, Reem Alabali Radovan. The talks will focus on bilateral relations, European policy, geopolitical challenges, and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Switzerland and EU sign agreement on Swiss participation in EU programmes

10.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva signed the Switzerland-EU programmes agreement in Bern on 10 November 2025. This part of the Switzerland-EU package can be provisionally applied with retroactive effect from the beginning of 2025. Switzerland is thus associated to Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe programme. The agreement also paves the way for association to ITER, Erasmus+ and EU4Health.

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The consolidated report by Switzerland on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

04.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
In its meeting of 4 July 2012 the Federal Council approved the follow-up report by Switzerland on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989. The report describes the measures that Switzerland has taken to strengthen children's rights. The report will now be submitted to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the body that monitors this Convention.

Protection of the Swiss Embassy in Tripoli – mandate of the DDPS detachment renewed

04.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on Wednesday 4 July 2012, the Federal Council decided to extend the deployment of a special detachment of the Swiss Armed Forces to protect the Swiss Embassy in Tripoli for a further six months (August 2012 – January 2013). According to the government, the security situation in Libya remains volatile. It has informed the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs and the Security Policy Committees of its decision.

Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter meets Serbia

03.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, today held talks with the Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic. Their discussions focused on issues in the UN General Assembly (UN GA), where Vuk Jeremic will be president in the autumn. Mr Jeremic also met former Federal Councillor Joseph Deiss, president of the 65th UN General Assembly.

Official working visit to Bern by the Liechtenstein Foreign Minister

29.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Today, Friday 29 June 2012, Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), has received Ms Aurelia Frick, minister of foreign affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein, in Bern for an official working visit. The two ministers discussed a number of bilateral issues, in particular co-operation in consular matters. The discussions also covered relations with the European Union and other current international topics.

Negotiations successful — Switzerland to remain in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

27.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland is to remain in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing Swiss nationals to enter and travel in the United States without a visa for up to ninety days. The Federal Office of Police succeeded in negotiating with the United States Switzerland’s continued participation in the Program. The outcome of the negotiations is in line with the mandate issued by the Federal Council, which took note of the results on Wednesday. Formal approval of the outcome of the negotiations is scheduled for one of the next council meetings.

Switzerland to increase its aid to fight rural poverty

27.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland increases its support for the fight against poverty in rural areas of developing countries. On Wednesday 27 June 2012, the Federal Council decided to contribute CHF 28.5 million over the next three years to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Swiss-Tunisian expert talks on frozen assets

26.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
On 25 and 26 June 2012, a delegation of Tunisian experts visited Bern and Lausanne for talks with their Swiss counterparts on the question of strengthening bilateral judicial co-operation. The shared objective is the most rapid possible restitution of any illicitly obtained assets in Switzerland of members or the entourage of the Ben Ali regime.

The FDFA to launch internet platform “Itineris” to enable people travelling abroad to register online

26.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Effective immediately, travellers can register online with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). In this way they can be informed about changes in the security situation in their country of destination and contacted if necessary. These and other new services to travellers were presented today by Gerhard Brügger, head of the Consular Directorate, and other FDFA representatives. The FDFA is now also offering travel information on the Western European tourist destinations of Spain, Portugal, Greece and the United Kingdom.

Render to Rousseau that which Switzerland owes him

26.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
On 28 June 2012 it will have been 300 years since the philosopher’s birth in Geneva. To mark the occasion and show foreign audiences just how relevant his thought remains today the FDFA has produced a book in his honour, “Jean-Jacques Rousseau et la Suisse”.

Official working visit to Bern by the British Minister for Europe David Lidington

25.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Today Thursday Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the British Minister for Europe David Lidington in Bern for an official working visit. This is the first official visit by a British minister to the FDFA since the government of David Cameron took up office two years ago. The discussions focused on various bilateral topics and on Switzerland's European policy. Didier Burkhalter and David Lidington have agreed to intensify the political dialogue between their ministries.

Presidential elections in Egypt: a key step in the transition towards democracy

25.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland extends its congratulations to the newly elected Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. The first presidential elections in Egypt following the resignation of Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 mark an evolution which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) applauds. Switzerland now calls upon the Egyptian authorities to continue along the path of transition towards democracy.

Rio+20: green economy added to the sustainable development agenda

23.06.2012 — Press releases EDA
The UN member states renewed the global commitment to sustainable development with their acceptance of a closing document at the UN Conference on Sustainability in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Switzerland was represented at the conference by Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard. The Rio resolution marked the introduction of the green economy to the global policy agenda. The Rio final document achieves some progress, such as the creation of goals for sustainable development, but does not meet the challenge it poses in all respects.

Other news (151)

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Speech - 150e anniversaire du passage de la frontière de l’armée du général Bourbaki

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.

"Digitalisation - an opportunity for Europe's democratic values"

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.

Official opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel

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

Passaggio di testimone tra generazioni (de-fr-it)

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.

75 years of the United Nations (fr)

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

Opening of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council (fr)

24.02.2020 — EDA
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery

Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind

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.

Switzerland and Italy reach an agreement on Campione d'Italia

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.

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

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.

First Global Refugee Forum in Geneva brings together actors committed to finding shared solutions

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.

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.

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