Americas News Ticker
Here you will find news on the FDFA’s latest activities across the Americas. The focus is on implementing the Americas Strategy and responding to crisis situations.
Americas Strategy 2026–29
Switzerland strengthens partnerships in the Americas.
29.06.2026 – US tariffs: Federal Council reaffirms commitment to Switzerland–US joint statement
A comprehensive trade agreement remains the Federal Council's overarching aim with the United States. As part of the ongoing tariff discussions with the United States, the Federal Council published a declaration of intent on 29 June, setting out how it will implement its specific commitments arising from the joint statement of 14 November 2025. In addition to the reduced import tariffs on a range of US products already introduced following the signing of the statement, the Federal Council intends to take further steps to deliver on the measures agreed therein. These concern the streamlined recognition of US standards in the areas of conformity assessment bodies, medical devices and passenger cars, as well as government procurement. The Federal Council will give effect to these measures through regulatory amendments.
The implementation of these measures is in keeping with the objectives agreed in the joint statement and consistent with the Federal Council's negotiating mandate for the talks with the United States. At the same time, the Federal Council expects the United States to honour its commitments under the joint statement.
This announcement further contributes to the stabilisation of bilateral economic relations between Switzerland and the United States and gives Swiss exporters greater planning certainty. Negotiations on a legally binding trade agreement are ongoing.
Press release, EAER, 29 June 2026
29.06.2026 – The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela
The Swiss rescue mission in Venezuela is still underway but will be completed in the next few days. The FDFA will provide an update on the outcome of the operations and the date of the Swiss Rescue Chain’s return to Switzerland in due course. In addition, the FDFA’s Directorate for Development and Cooperation is currently examining possible steps beyond this relief phase.
26.06.2026 – The Swiss Rescue Chain arrived in Caracas
The Swiss Rescue Chain arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Friday, 26 June, following the severe earthquake that struck the country on Wednesday. The Swiss Rescue Chain team consists of 80 specialists, including 22 members of the Swiss Armed Forces. With their expertise in urban search and rescue, they are able to contribute to the ongoing rescue operation by locating and rescuing people trapped beneath the rubble. Eight search dogs are also deployed. In total, the Swiss Rescue Chain has brought around 18 tonnes of rescue equipment to Venezuela.
Following their arrival shortly before midday, the Swiss Rescue Chain immediately began preparing for its mission in coordination with the Venezuelan authorities. Their task will be to locate earthquake victims in the rubble, recover them and rescue them. The locations for the operations are being determined in close cooperation with the local authorities.
For this initial search and rescue phase, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) within the FDFA has released 1.5 million Swiss francs from its emergency aid funds. It is also examining further support measures to assist the affected population in Venezuela.
The FDFA currently has no information regarding possible Swiss victims. The relevant investigations are ongoing. To date, the FDFA helpline has received a number of enquiries.
The Swiss Embassy in Venezuela is operational.
25.06.2026 – Rescue team heads to earthquake region with search dogs
Switzerland has offered its support to the Venezuelan authorities after they issued an international call for aid. The Venezuelan authorities have accepted and expressly welcomed Switzerland’s offer of assistance. The Swiss Rescue Chain’s mission is now being carried out: A team of 80 specialists with eight search dogs and 18 tons of rescue material is traveling to Venezuela. The flight departs Friday morning at 2:00 a.m. from Zurich on an Airbus 340-300. Arrival in Caracas is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, the Swiss Rescue Chain will begin preparations for its mission in coordination with the Venezuelan authorities. Its mission is to search for earthquake victims in the debris, recover them, and rescue them.
Photos and video footage of the shipment of the equipment will be made available tomorrow morning via this link.
25.06.2026 – Earthquake in Venezuela: Statement by the Federal Council and mobilisation of the Swiss Rescue Chain
Federal President Guy Parmelin has issued a statement on behalf of the Federal Council regarding the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. The Federal Council’s thoughts are with the victims, their families and the entire affected population.
Humanitarian aid
Switzerland has offered its support to the Venezuelan authorities after they launched an international appeal for aid. The Federal Council’s Delegate for Humanitarian Aid has decided to mobilise the Swiss Rescue Chain with 80 members, eight rescue dogs and 18 tonnes of rescue equipment. The Swiss Rescue Chain’s mission is to locate, recover and rescue earthquake victims from the debris.
As Venezuelan airspace is closed to most European airlines, arrangements are currently being made to organise a flight as quickly as possible to transport the Swiss rescue teams and their equipment.
Swiss nationals in the area
The Swiss Embassy is in contact with the authorities in Venezuela. The FDFA currently has no information regarding Swiss victims. The necessary enquiries are underway.
There are currently five Swiss travellers registered on Travel Admin. Around 1,000 people are listed in the Register of Swiss Abroad.
Swiss nationals in the country are advised to follow the instructions of the local authorities. In urgent cases, the FDFA helpline can be contacted round the clock on +41 800 24 7 365 / +41 58 465 33 33 or by email at helpline@eda.admin.ch.
The FDFA’s travel advice (German, French, Italian) has for some time advised against tourist and other non-urgent travel to Venezuela. Travel to certain parts of the country is generally discouraged.
The Swiss embassy staff are safe and well. The embassy remains closed today for security reasons but is operational.
08.06.2026 – Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis receives the minister of foreign affairs of Panama Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez
The two ministers had bilateral talks and a working lunch together. They reviewed bilateral relations as well as major regional and international topics.
The talks focused on Switzerland's accession to the Protocol to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. Mr Cassis handed over a copy of the instrument of accession at the meeting. This gesture reaffirms Switzerland's commitment to international law, freedom of navigation and global trade. The two ministers welcomed this step as a strong signal of mutual trust and cooperation against the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.
The day ended with the inauguration of the new embassy of Panama in Bern. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cassis welcomed this sign of friendship. He pointed out that this shared outlook is now reflected in Switzerland's accession to the protocol on the neutrality of the canal.
Contact
General Secretariat GS-FDFA
Federal Palace West
3003 Bern