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Return of war to Europe – the focus of 2022 Foreign Policy Report
01.02.2023 — Press release EDA
The Federal Council approved the 2022 Foreign Policy Report at its meeting on 1 February 2023. The document includes a special focus on the war in Ukraine. It also discusses progress in relations with the EU, Switzerland's commitment to more effective multilateralism, and its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period 2023–24.
Switzerland renews support to UNHCR
In response to the unprecedented flow of people forced to abandon their homes due to armed conflict, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 1st February 2023 to allocate CHF 68 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the years 2023–24. The UNHCR provides dignified hosting conditions and medical assistance to those forced to flee as well as access to education for their children. It is a key partner in the implementation of Switzerland's foreign policy.
Use of chemical weapons in Syria – Switzerland's position
Switzerland takes note of the third report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was mandated to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Douma on 7 April 2018. Switzerland strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons and calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using them and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Those responsible for crimes under international law in Syria must be held accountable.
From Lugano to London: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis hands over lead for Ukraine Recovery Conference to UK
The Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) held in Lugano last July will be resumed in London in 2023. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, in the presence of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's State Secretary, Oleksandr Bankov, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis has officially handed over responsibility for preparing the next URC to UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Grant Shapps. The head of the FDFA recalled the Lugano Principles and described them as a compass pointing the way to Ukraine's recovery even in dark times.
Programme of members of the Federal Council attending the WEF Annual Meeting 2023
The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is once again taking place at its traditional date in January after recent editions were cancelled due to the pandemic in 2021 and postponed to the spring last year. President Alain Berset will open the event together with WEF founder Prof. Klaus Schwab, on Tuesday, 17 January.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis travelled to Washington, D.C. on 13 January and met with his US counterpart Antony Blinken. The meeting centred on cooperation within the UN Security Council and bilateral relations.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis calls for respect of the UN Charter in the Security Council
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took part in a UN Security Council ministerial debate on the rule of law in New York on 12 January. The head of the FDFA recalled that respect for the principles of the UN Charter is pivotal to peace and security in the world. Tomorrow, Mr Cassis will travel on to Washington, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participates in rule of law debate at the UN Security Council in New York
At its meeting on 11 January 2023, the Federal Council was briefed on Switzerland's initial work within the UN Security Council and key upcoming issues. Tomorrow, Thursday 12 January, head of the FDFA Ignazio Cassis will travel to New York to participate in a UN Security Council debate at the invitation of Japan, the current president. This ministerial-level debate will focus on promoting the rule of law among nations.
New Year's reception
Speech by Alain Berset, head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps. Check against delivery.
Presentation of credentials
Ambassadors newly accredited to Switzerland present their credentials
UN Security Council renews cross-border humanitarian aid into Syria
On 9 January 2023, the United Nations Security Council unanimously extended the mandate for cross-border humanitarian aid in Syria until 10 July. Switzerland introduced the respective resolution in the Security Council as co-penholder of the Syria humanitarian file. The Council's decision allows humanitarian aid to reach a region in north-west Syria where over four million people are in need of support. Protecting the civilian population in conflicts is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Council membership.
Ignazio Cassis advocates climate change mitigation for Pakistan at UN conference
In Geneva today, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attended the UN conference on flood-stricken Pakistan. In response to the emergency, the Swiss Confederation donated CHF 4 million for humanitarian aid in the summer of 2022 and is helping Pakistan to cope with the refugee situation with a further CHF 6 million. On the margins of the conference, Mr Cassis held various bilateral talks, including with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Object 1 – 12 of 153
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"
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
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)
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)
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)
Geneva, 24.02.2020 - Speech by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis - Check against delivery
Discover the world with the FDFA and with peace mind
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
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
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
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
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.