The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is responsible for representing Switzerland's interests abroad, in particular its relations with other countries. It is supported by a widespread network of foreign missions. The responsibilities delegated to it by the Swiss Federal Council and Parliament focus on five central objectives.
Foreign policy is concerned with all activities and developments which have a cross-border dimension. These include questions of security, trade and industry, development cooperation, environmental matters, and cultural relations, etc.
The DFA works together with specialists in many different fields both at the intergovernmental, i.e. bilateral, level and within international organisations, i.e. at the multilateral level. Its representatives participate in international negotiations, confer with foreign governments and serve as contacts for the Foreign Embassies in Switzerland.
The DFA is also involved in the formulation, conclusion and implementation of international agreements. The main task of the network of Swiss Foreign Representations is to foster and to strengthen relations between Switzerland and other states. At the same time, it is responsible for safeguarding the interests of Swiss trade and industry, scientific and cultural endeavours, as well as those of Swiss citizens abroad.
The FDFA implements the foreign policy of the Federal Council, safeguards the interests of Switzerland abroad and promotes Swiss values. Additional priorities include the maintaining of contact and relations with Swiss nationals living abroad.
The FDFA exercises various functions, as set out in the FDFA’s organisation ordinance:
Implementing Swiss Foreign Policy
Swiss foreign policy is based on the fundamental principles of the rule of law, universality and neutrality. These basic principles are independent of current events and shifts in the international arena. Solidarity and responsibility are equally important.
The rule of law is an integral part of everyday life in Switzerland. Switzerland is also keen to hold its international relations to the law, which is why international law is crucially important to Switzerland. It aims to ensure disputes and conflicts in the world are resolved peacefully.
In striving for universality, Switzerland fosters good relations with all nations. Having an open approach to the world is particularly important for Switzerland, as it is not a member of the European Union or any other important alliance or group, such as the G20 for example. A well-developed network of relations is essential for Switzerland to be able to safeguard its interests.
As a permanently neutral state, Switzerland is bound to the law of neutrality. This means that it does not participate in international armed conflict. Neutrality plays an important part in Switzerland's good offices, which are a traditional strength of Swiss foreign policy.
Global challenges and sustainable development
Switzerland benefits from globalisation and hence embraces it constructively and responsibly, meeting global challenges head-on and remaining committed to sustainable development. Priorities are:
Switzerland counts among the most developed nations in terms of science, innovation and technology, and proposes solutions for the challenges associated with those areas.
