Press releases

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Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev

02.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 2 December 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), received the Kazakh foreign minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, in Bern for an official visit. The talks centred on bilateral relations, regional cooperation in Central Asia and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the OSCE next year. The delegations also signed a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the Blue Peace initiative.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to attend OSCE Ministerial Council in Vienna

01.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will be in Vienna on 3-4 December 2025 to represent Switzerland at the annual Ministerial Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the European security architecture, particularly the war in Ukraine. Switzerland, which will assume the OSCE chairpersonship in 2026, will reaffirm its priorities at the meeting.

FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Brazil

01.12.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 1 December 2025 FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel received the Brazilian Secretary General of Foreign Affairs Maria Laura da Rocha in Bern for political consultations. Both delegations took the opportunity to discuss key topics – from sustainability, the economy and multilateralism to regional security policy issues. Brazil is Switzerland's biggest trading partner in Latin America.

Second evacuation of injured children from Gaza completed

28.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland has completed its second humanitarian operation to evacuate injured children from the Gaza Strip. In collaboration with Norway, 13 children and 51 family members, who had previously travelled from Gaza to Jordan, were transported to Switzerland on Friday. They will be hosted by eight Swiss cantons, where they will receive medical treatment at various university and cantonal hospitals. They will also undergo an asylum procedure in Switzerland. As part of this humanitarian operation, Switzerland has evacuated a total of 20 injured children and 78 accompanying family members from Gaza.

Ambassador Sabrina Dallafior appointed Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

27.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
On 27 November 2025, the Conference of the States Parties to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) appointed Ambassador Sabrina Dallafior as Director-General. She will take up her new post on 25 July 2026. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) supported Sabrina Dallafior's candidacy and welcomes her appointment as the new OPCW Director-General.

Federal Council adopts report on Switzerland's digital sovereignty

26.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 26 November 2025, the Federal Council approved the report in response to postulate 22.4411 Z'graggen ‘Switzerland's Digital Sovereignty’. The report defines digital sovereignty for Switzerland, explains how it must be structured to enable the state to fulfil its tasks in the digital space, and proposes measures to further strengthen digital sovereignty. The Federal Council is establishing an interdepartmental working group in order to anticipate security and foreign policy developments and their impact on digital resources. The group will also continuously update the overview contained in the report and coordinate measures.

Support for the Gaza Peace Plan

26.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
At its meeting on 26 November 2025, the Federal Council decided to take concrete measures to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan for peace in the Middle East presented by the United States. The Confederation is allocating a total of CHF 23 million to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, in particular to meet the needs of children, strengthen Palestinian institutions and promote regional stability. These various forms of support are in addition to the CHF 127 million already committed by the Confederation since October 2023, bringing its total humanitarian contribution to CHF 150 million.

New Swiss ambassadors

26.11.2025 — Press releases EDA
As part of the FDFA's periodic rotation policy and on the basis of appointments made by the Federal Council, personnel changes will be made and ambassadorial titles conferred in 2025 and 2026 at several Swiss representations as well as at the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) and the Federal Department of Finance (FDF).

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.

Media (3570)

Swiss Annual Development Cooperation Conference – effectiveness at the centre of debate

17.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
Approximately 2,000 delegates attended this year’s Swiss Annual Development Cooperation Conference (SDC-SECO), which was held on Friday 17 August 2012 in Bern. Participating at this event for the first time in his capacity as head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFD), Didier Burkhalter highlighted the effectiveness and the importance of Switzerland’s commitment to support the most disadvantaged nations.

House of Switzerland: A successful Swiss presence at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London

12.08.2012 — Press releases EDA
Following the Summer Olympics closing ceremony the House of Switzerland UK 2012 yesterday closed its doors. An initial assessment of the three weeks spent by the Thames is positive: the total number of visitors enjoying a multi-faceted, creative and entertaining Swiss presence amounted to some 255’000 people. Furthermore, the House was a popular meeting point for the Swiss athletes.

Official visits by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter to Lebanon, Cyprus and the United Kingdom

26.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter is paying an official visit to Lebanon on 27 and 28 July 2012. The head of the FDFA intends to express Switzerland's support to this country, which is being directly affected by the crisis in Syria. He also seeks to obtain a picture of the humanitarian situation in the region. He will then proceed to Cyprus, which recently assumed the presidency of the EU, after which he will travel to the United Kingdom. In both these countries he will be outlining Switzerland's European policy.

Attack in Burgas (Bulgaria) – Statement of the FDFA

23.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
The FDFA condemns the attack on a bus carrying Israeli tourists in the Bulgarian city of Burgas on Wednesday that killed at least six people.

House of Switzerland: the Swiss “Red Zone” at the Olympic Games in London is open

20.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
The Swiss guest house opens its doors a week before the Olympic Games begin in London. As part of a celebratory ceremony, the House of Switzerland officially opens on the bank of the Thames on 20 July 2012. Over the coming 24 days, the House of Switzerland will offer Swiss athletes an oasis of calm in the middle of London and entertain the public with a varied programme of Swiss music, culture, art and culinary specialities. Swiss athletes, journalists, politicians and business people can use the House of Switzerland as a meeting place to hold discussions and make contacts.

Elections in Libya - Statement of the FDFA

19.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland congratulates Libya on the holding of the elections to the National General Assembly (Parliament) on 7 July 2012 in a peaceful atmosphere. This first national ballot for more than 40 years is an important step, which the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes. Switzerland now calls on Libyan civil society and on the Libyan authorities to continue on the path of democratic transition.

Execution of three Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip - Statement of the FDFA

19.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Switzerland condemns the execution of three Palestinian citizens in the Gaza Strip on 17 July 2012

Swiss apps: Switzerland

15.07.2012 — Press releases EDA
Presence Switzerland in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is launching an app entitled Swiss Games. It is a new instrument in Switzerland's national communication strategy. The aim is to present Switzerland to young people in a playful and entertaining way. The Swiss Games will be used for the first time in the framework of the House of Switzerland UK 2012 at the Olympic Games in London.

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.

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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