Bilateral relations

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are the two stops on Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' trip to Central Asia from 1 to 4 July 2024. This visit is part of his participation in a meeting of Switzerland's voting group within the Bretton Woods institutions, also attended by Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter. This article sheds light on Switzerland's relations with these two Central Asian nations.

At the request of both governments, Switzerland will represent Mexico's interests in relation to Ecuador and Ecuador's interests in relation to Mexico. The applicable agreements were signed with Mexico on 15 June 2024 and with Ecuador on 24 June 2024. In taking on this role, Switzerland is ensuring that diplomatic and consular channels between the two countries remain open. Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with Ecuador on 5 April 2024.

A chapter of history between Switzerland and Brazil was highlighted during the official meeting of Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on 30 April 2024. Mr Vieira is indeed a descendant of Swiss emigrants who settled in the Swiss colony of Nova Friburgo at the beginning of the 19th century. Let's revisit the history and circumstances of Swiss emigration to South America, and how it unfolded.

Sub-Saharan Africa, a region of both challenges and opportunities, is playing an increasingly important role on the global political and economic stage. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will visit Sub-Saharan Africa from 17 to 22 March, with stops in Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya. These three countries are key to creating stability and prosperity in the region.

Forty-nine employees work tirelessly at the Swiss embassy in Kyiv to implement and promote Swiss programmes to support the Ukrainian population. The overview on the map shows a wide range of projects, from humanitarian mine action and tracing missing persons to trams for public transport and the digitalisation of public services.