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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

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.

Media (2951)

2008 Statistics on the Swiss abroad

13.02.2009 — Press release EDA
After the record increase of 23,097 persons in 2007, the number of Swiss living abroad increased by only 8,069 persons in 2008. The total is now 676,176. The community of the Swiss abroad has increased by 114,620 (20.4 %) over the last 10 years.

The FDFA appeals to all the conflicting parties in Sri Lanka to respect humanitarian law.

05.02.2009 — 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.

SDC Annual Media Conference: Switzerland is making its Contribution to the Mitigation of Global Crises

04.02.2009 — 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.

Meetings of Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey at the World Economic Forum in Davos

31.01.2009 — 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.

Official working visit to Bern by Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao

29.01.2009 — 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.

Switzerland provides emergency aid to Gaza

24.01.2009 — 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.

Official working visit to Bern by Chinese Prime Minister WEN Jiabao

22.01.2009 — 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.

Conflict in the Gaza Strip

15.01.2009 — 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.

Middle East Conflict: FDFA calls for impartial inquiry regarding the respect for International Humanitarian Law

09.01.2009 — 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.

Il Consigliere federale Moritz Leuenberger firma a Parigi la dichiarazione d'intenti per agevolare la collaborazione tra le autorità di vigilanza sulle ferrovie

08.01.2009 — 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.

Federal Councillor Micheline Calmy-Rey to make a working visit to Georgia

08.01.2009 — 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.

Near East conflict: Switzerland intensifies its aid (last modification, the 05.01.2009)

05.01.2009 — 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.

Other news (299)

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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