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Foreign relations of Switzerland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The foreign relations of Switzerland are the primary responsibility of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Some international relations of Switzerland are handled by other departments of the federal administration of Switzerland.

History

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The First Geneva Convention (1864). Geneva is the city that hosts the highest number of international organisations in the world.[1]

Article 54 of the Swiss Constitution of 1999 declares the safeguarding of Switzerland's independence and welfare as the principal objective of Swiss foreign policy. Below this overarching goal, the Constitution specifies these foreign policy objectives:

These objectives reflect the Swiss moral obligation to undertake social, economic, and humanitarian activities that contribute to world peace and prosperity. This is manifested by Swiss bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activity, assistance to developing countries, and support for the extension of international law, particularly humanitarian law.

Traditionally, Switzerland has avoided alliances that might entail military, political, or direct economic action. Only in recent years have the Swiss broadened the scope of activities in which they feel able to participate without compromising their neutrality. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union and joined the United Nations very late compared to its European neighbours.

Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as a neutral intermediary and host to major international treaty conferences. The country has no major dispute in its bilateral relations.

Switzerland (mainly Geneva) is home to many international governmental and nongovernmental organisations, including the International Olympic Committee, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the European Broadcasting Union. One of the first international organisations, the Universal Postal Union, is located in Bern.

United Nations

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Session in the Palace of Nations in Geneva

Switzerland, fearing that its status as a neutral country would be damaged, did not join the United Nations when it was created in 1945.[2] On 10 September 2002, Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations, after a referendum supporting full membership won in a close vote six months earlier; Swiss voters had rejected membership by a 3-to-1 margin in 1986. The 2002 vote made Switzerland the first and only country to join based on a popular vote.[3] Conversely, on 17 May 1992, Swiss voters approved by a healthy margin (55 percent in favour) the decision to join the IMF and the World Bank. Less than two weeks later, but a full two years after the initial application, Switzerland finally became a member of the IMF on 29 May of that same year.

Prior to its formal accession to the United Nations, Switzerland had maintained an observer role at the UN's General Assembly and its Economic and Social Council. Prior to full membership it had no right to a seat as one of the elected members of the UN Security Council. Switzerland was elected as a member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2023–2024 on 9 June 2022. Switzerland says it intends to play its role as a "bridge builder".[4] Other stated priorities are peace building, supporting women into the political process, minorities rights and human rights and more transparency from the Security Council.[5]

Switzerland has fully participated within many of the UN's specialised institutions, including the Economic Commission for Europe, United Nations Environment Programme, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UN Conference on Trade and Development, UN Industrial Development Organization, and the Universal Postal Union. Switzerland has also furnished military observers and medical teams to several UN operations.[which?]

Switzerland is a party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice.

Support of UN sanctions

The Swiss government on 25 June 2003, eased most of the sanctions against the Republic of Iraq in accord with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1483. The government lifted the trade embargo, flight restrictions, and financial sanctions in place since August 1990. The weapons embargo and the asset freeze, the scope of which was extended, remain in force, and restrictions on the trade in Iraqi cultural goods were newly imposed. Though not a member at the time, Switzerland had joined UN sanctions against Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait.

Switzerland also has joined UN economic sanctions imposed on Libya, Sierra Leone, UNITA (Angola), Liberia, and Serbia/Montenegro. On 15 October 2003, the Federal Council ended the import restrictions on raw diamonds from Sierra Leone and lifted sanctions against Libya.

Switzerland in October 2000 implemented an ordinance to enforce UN sanctions against the Taliban (UNSCR 1267), which it subsequently amended in April 2001 in accord with tighter UN regulations (UNSCR 1333). On 2 May 2002, the Swiss Government eased the sanctions regime in accord with UNSCR 1388 and 1390, lifting the ban on the sale of acetic acid (used in drug production), Afghan airlines, and Afghan diplomatic representations. The weapons embargo, travel restrictions, and financial sanctions remain in force.

The Swiss Government in November 2001 issued an ordinance declaring illegal the terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda as well as possible successor or supporting organisations. More than 200 individuals or companies linked to international terrorism have been blacklisted to have their assets frozen. Thus far, Swiss authorities have blocked about 72 accounts totalling U.S.$22.6 million.

Switzerland is a member of many international organizations, including the World Trade Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Free Trade Association, Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Atomic Energy Agency, and International Telecommunications Satellite Organization. Its central bank is a member of the Bank for International Settlements, based in Basel.

Switzerland is an active participant in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, its foreign minister serving as Chairman-in-Office for 1996. Switzerland also is an active participant in the major nonproliferation and export control regimes.

Although it is surrounded by member nations, Switzerland is not a member nation of the European Union. In 1992 Swiss voters approved membership in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, but later that year rejected the European Economic Area agreement, which the government viewed as a first step toward European Union membership. The Swiss instead take part in the European single market and Schengen through bilateral treaties.

Participation in peacekeeping

While the Swiss electorate did reject a government proposition to directly deploy Swiss troops as UN peacekeepers (the Blue Helmets) in 1994, a total of 23 Swiss personnel including police and military observers (the Blue Berets) have served or are now serving for the United Nations. These dispositions are impartial, clearly defined and cover a number of UN projects around the globe.[6]

In 1996 Switzerland joined NATO's Partnership for Peace, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997, and deployed Yellow Berets to support the OSCE in Bosnia. In June 2001, Swiss voters approved new legislation providing for the deployment of armed Swiss troops for international peacekeeping missions under UN or OSCE auspices as well as closer international cooperation in military training.

Since 1999, the Swiss army is participating through SWISSCOY in the peace keeping mission of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) based on UN-resolution 1244, with prolonged presence until 2014, after approval by the Swiss federal assembly in Spring 2011. Main duties include the supervision of civilian reconstruction efforts, monitoring and protection of patrimonial sites, military police and medical assistance.[7]

Representation of foreign entities and in foreign disputes

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The ministers of foreign affairs of Germany, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, France, Russia, the European Union and Iran meeting in Geneva for the interim agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme (2013).

Under a series of treaties concluded after the First World War, Switzerland assumed responsibility for the diplomatic and consular representation of Liechtenstein, the protection of its borders, and the regulation of its customs.

Due to its long-standing neutrality, Switzerland has served as the protecting power for many countries, that did not have diplomatic relations with each other. This reached an apex during the Second World War, when Switzerland formally undertook 219 mandates for 35 states, and represented another eight states unofficially.[8] After the Second World War, Switzerland served an additional 67 mandates for various countries, including those between Cuba and other nations in the Western Hemisphere after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, between Middle Eastern nations following the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, and between India and Pakistan prior to the formalization of relations in 1976.

Switzerland also represented Cuba in the United States between 1991 and 2015.[9] [check quotation syntax] Today, Switzerland has seven protecting power mandates:

  • United States interests in both Cuba (until 2015) and Iran
  • Cuban interest in the United States (until 2015)
  • Iranian interests in both Canada and Egypt
  • Saudi Arabian and Iranian interests with each other (Iran and Saudi Arabia have direct diplomatic relations since August 2023)[10]
  • Georgian and Russian interests with each other

Switzerland played a key role in brokering a truce agreement between the Sudanese Government and Sudan People's Liberation Army for the Nuba Mountains region, signed after a week's negotiations taking place near Lucerne in January 2002. Switzerland has also sent services to allied troops in the War in Afghanistan.[11]

Switzerland is also playing a major role in Palestinian politics, trying to act as a mediator between Fatah and Hamas regarding the integration of employees in Gaza. The Swiss diplomatic efforts lead to an agreement called "the Swiss Document" which initially was approved by both Palestinian parties.[12]

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland decided to adopt all EU sanctions against Russia. According to the Swiss President Ignazio Cassis, the measures were "unprecedented but consistent with Swiss neutrality". The administration also confirmed that Switzerland would continue to offer its services to find a peaceful solution in the conflict. Switzerland only participates in humanitarian missions and provides relief supplies to the Ukrainian population and neighbouring countries.[13] In August 2022, Russia rejected a proposed Swiss mandate to represent Ukrainian interests in Russia, considering that Switzerland had lost its neutral status.[14]

On 18 April 2023, Federal Councilor Alain Berset paid an official visit to Berlin, Germany at the invitation of Chancellor Olaf Scholz. At the center of the discussions was the refusal by Switzerland to allow the re-exporting of ammunition and arms to the crisis region in Ukraine. While the talks took place in a friendly atmosphere, Alain Berset insisted on the traditional application of Swiss neutrality towards the sale of military hardware to Germany for use in that conflict. A number of parliamentary efforts by Swiss lawmakers to allow such sales were already rejected previously.[15]

On 1 May 2023, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef made an official visit to the Swiss Confederation, meeting with Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, and Chairwoman of the Board at Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV), Barbara Hayoz. The talks were mainly addressing export cooperation between the two nations, and the Saudi minister also held a talk at the meeting of the World Economic Forum in January 2023. Switzerland also represented Saudi interests in Iran before diplomatic relations were restored in April 2023.[16][17] Even though the country has a policy of neutrality, Its parliament voted in December 2024 to outlaw both Hamas and Hezbollah.[18][19]

Diplomatic representations

Diplomatic relations

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List of countries which Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with:

More information #, Country ...
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# Country Date
1  France 29 November 1516[20]
—  Holy See 1553[21]
2  Netherlands 31 January 1814[22]
3  Russia 6 March 1814[23]
4  Belgium 30 September 1845[24]
5  United States 29 June 1853[25]
6  Brazil 1855[26]
7  Italy 12 February 1860[27]
8  Japan 6 February 1864[28]
9  Portugal 5 November 1872[29]
10  Venezuela 10 April 1878[30]
11  Dominican Republic 28 June 1882[31]
12  Mexico 31 December 1882[32]
13  Ecuador 1888[33]
14  Argentina 12 September 1891[34]
15  United Kingdom 1891[35][better source needed]
16  Uruguay 8 April 1892[36]
17  Paraguay 27 June 1892[37]
18  Peru 7 March 1893[38]
19  Bolivia 29 March 1897[39]
20  Cuba 18 June 1902[40]
21  Panama 6 April 1904[41]
22  Norway 22 January 1906[42]
23  Guatemala 14 December 1906[43]
24  Colombia 14 March 1908[44]
25  Romania 9 May 1911[45]
26  Sweden 3 September 1915[46]
27  Bulgaria 31 October 1915[47]
28  Greece 8 October 1917[48]
29  Luxembourg 24 November 1917[49]
30  Chile 31 May 1918[50]
31  Denmark 26 October 1918[51]
32  Serbia 1 November 1918[52]
33  Hungary February 1919[53]
34  Iran 4 March 1919[54]
35  Poland 12 March 1919[55]
36  Liechtenstein March 1919[56]
37  Czech Republic 30 April 1919[57]
38  Turkey 23 March 1925[58]
39  Austria 18 April 1925[59]
40  Finland 29 January 1926[60]
41  Afghanistan 20 April 1928[61]
42  Thailand 28 May 1931[62]
43  Egypt 11 March 1935[63]
44  Spain 14 February 1939[64]
45  Ireland 16 October 1939[65]
46  Haiti 29 September 1941[66]
47  Canada 24 June 1945[67]
48  Lebanon 27 February 1946[68]
49  Iraq 1 May 1946[69]
50  Iceland 15 July 1947[70]
51  Syria 2 October 1947[71]
52  India 14 August 1948[72]
53  Jordan 26 March 1949[73]
54  Pakistan 13 May 1949[74]
55  China 17 January 1950[75]
56  Israel 29 June 1951[76]
57  Indonesia 2 November 1951[77][78]
58  South Africa 11 March 1952[79]
59  Ethiopia 2 May 1952[80]
60  Germany 6 May 1952[81]
61  Myanmar 19 September 1956[82]
62  Sri Lanka 5 October 1956[82]
63  Tunisia 30 October 1956[83]
64    Nepal 9 November 1956[82]
65  Morocco 28 November 1956[84]
66  Saudi Arabia 29 November 1956[82]
67  Costa Rica 18 June 1957[85]
68  Honduras 12 August 1957[86]
69  Philippines 30 August 1957[87]
70  Laos 3 September 1957[88]
71  Nicaragua 30 October 1958[89]
72  Monaco 27 May 1959[90]
73  Somalia 5 July 1960[91]
74  Ghana 19 July 1960[92]
75  Guinea 19 July 1960[92]
76  Liberia 19 July 1960[92]
77  Togo 19 July 1960[92]
78  El Salvador 22 August 1960[93]
79  Nigeria 1 October 1960[94]
80  Sudan 27 December 1960[95]
81  Mali 26 May 1961[96]
82  Mauritania 26 May 1961[97]
83  Niger 26 May 1961[98]
84  Senegal 26 May 1961[99]
85  Ivory Coast 1 June 1961[100]
86  Australia 3 June 1961[101]
87  Madagascar 13 June 1961[102]
88  Libya 5 September 1961[103]
89  Burkina Faso 17 October 1961[104]
90  Cameroon 9 November 1961[105]
91  Benin 21 November 1961[106]
96  Sierra Leone 25 May 1962[107]
92  Democratic Republic of the Congo 12 October 1962[108]
93  Algeria 13 November 1962[109]
94  New Zealand 4 December 1962[110]
95  Jamaica 12 December 1962[111]
97  Malaysia 3 January 1963[112]
98  South Korea 11 February 1963[113]
99  Trinidad and Tobago 12 July 1963[114]
100  Rwanda 12 November 1963[115]
101  Cyprus 3 December 1963[116]
102  Chad 16 December 1963[117]
103  Burundi 13 January 1964[118]
104  Central African Republic 11 February 1964[119]
105  Gabon 11 February 1964[120]
106  Kenya 28 February 1964[121]
107  Uganda 1 March 1964[122]
108  Republic of the Congo 21 April 1964[120]
109  Tanzania 26 April 1964[123]
110  Mongolia 22 May 1964[124]
111  Malta 25 March 1966[125]
112  Gambia 30 March 1966[126]
113  Zambia 10 June 1966[120]
114  Malawi 19 May 1966[127]
115  Kuwait 21 September 1966[128]
116  Cambodia 9 October 1967[129]
117  Singapore 11 October 1967[130]
118  Botswana 22 August 1967[131]
119  Lesotho 22 August 1967[131]
120  Equatorial Guinea 4 November 1968[132]
121  Mauritius 11 March 1969[133]
122  Eswatini 6 August 1969[134]
123  Albania 20 July 1970[135]
124  Vietnam 11 October 1971[136]
125  Yemen 23 February 1972[137]
126  Bangladesh 14 June 1972[138]
127  Bahrain 12 September 1973[139]
128  Oman 12 September 1973[139]
129  Qatar 12 September 1973[139]
130  United Arab Emirates 12 September 1973[139]
131  Bahamas 5 June 1974[140]
132  North Korea 20 December 1974[141]
133  Mozambique 12 April 1976[142]
134  Papua New Guinea 2 June 1976[143]
135  Angola 30 September 1976[144]
136  Comoros 1 March 1977[145]
137  Guyana 24 May 1977[146]
138  Suriname 11 July 1979[147]
139  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1979[148]
140  Barbados 4 March 1980[149]
141  Cape Verde 25 June 1980[150]
142  Zimbabwe 2 July 1980[151]
143  Seychelles 10 March 1981[152]
144  Maldives 23 June 1981[153]
145  Samoa 1 August 1981[154]
146  Grenada 1981[155]
147  Vanuatu 5 May 1982[156]
148  Djibouti 23 December 1982[157]
149  Guinea-Bissau 22 February 1983[158]
150  Antigua and Barbuda 14 December 1983[159]
151  Brunei November 1984[160]
152  São Tomé and Príncipe 28 February 1985[161]
153  Tonga 13 September 1985[162]
154  Bhutan 16 September 1985[163]
155  Belize July 1989[164]
156  Fiji 1989[165]
157  Namibia 22 April 1990[166]
158  Estonia 4 September 1991[167]
159  Latvia 5 September 1991[168]
160  Lithuania 5 September 1991[169]
161  Azerbaijan 21 January 1992[170]
162  Croatia 30 January 1992[171]
163  Slovenia 31 January 1992[172]
164  Ukraine 6 February 1992[173]
165  Belarus 10 February 1992[174]
166  Kyrgyzstan 14 February 1992[175]
167  Armenia 30 April 1992[176]
168  Uzbekistan 7 May 1992[177]
169  Kazakhstan 1 June 1992[178]
170  Georgia 10 June 1992[179]
171  Turkmenistan 13 July 1992[180]
172  Moldova 2 September 1992[181]
173  Saint Kitts and Nevis 17 November 1992[182]
174  Tajikistan 9 December 1992[183]
175  Slovakia 1 January 1993[184]
176  Bosnia and Herzegovina 3 February 1993[185]
177  North Macedonia 31 December 1993[186]
178  Eritrea 22 March 1994[187]
179  San Marino 10 July 1995[188]
180  Andorra 6 September 1995[189]
181  Palau 31 August 2001[190]
182  Timor-Leste 16 September 2002[191]
183  Marshall Islands 22 January 2003[191]
184  Federated States of Micronesia 22 April 2003[192]
185  Nauru 2003[193]
186  Kiribati 1 June 2004[194]
187  Tuvalu 4 November 2005[195]
188  Dominica 2005[196]
189  Saint Lucia 10 June 2006[197]
190  Montenegro 5 July 2006[198]
191  Solomon Islands 20 December 2007[199]
—  Kosovo 28 March 2008[200]
—  Cook Islands 7 March 2011[201]
192  South Sudan 23 May 2012[202]
—  Niue 9 August 2023[203]
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Multilateral

More information Organization, Formal Relations Began ...
Organization Formal Relations Began Notes
 European Union1972See Switzerland–European Union relations
 NATO See Switzerland–NATO relations
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Bilateral relations

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Africa

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Algeria13 November 1962
  • Algeria has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Algiers.
 Angola30 September 1976
  • Angola has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Luanda.
 Chad16 December 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Chad (resident in Lagos) Mr. Giovanni Enrico Bucher[117]
  • Chad has an embassy in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has a Cooperation Office in N'Djamena.
 Egypt11 March 1935See Egypt–Switzerland relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 March 1935 when Mr. Henri Martin, first Minister of Switzerland to Egypt, presented his letters of credentials.[204]

  • Egypt has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Cairo.
 Ethiopia2 May 1952
  • Ethiopia has an embassy in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Addis Ababa.
 Kenya28 February 1964See Kenya–Switzerland relations

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 February 1964 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Kenya (resident in Addis Ababa) Mr. Roger Dürr[205]

  • Kenya has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Nairobi.
 Madagascar13 June 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 June 1961.
  • Madagascar has an embassy in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Antananarivo.
 Nigeria1 October 1960
  • Nigeria has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Abuja and a consulate-general in Lagos.
 Senegal26 May 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1961.
  • Senegal has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Dakar.
 South Africa11 March 1952See South Africa–Switzerland relations
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Americas

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Argentina12 September 1891See Argentina–Switzerland relations
 Brazil
 Canada1945See Canada–Switzerland relations
 Chile
  • Chile has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Santiago.
 ColombiaSee Colombia–Switzerland relations
  • Colombia has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Bogotá.
 Cuba18 June 1902Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 June 1902.
Thumb
Embassy of Switzerland in Havana
  • Cuba has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Havana.
 Dominican Republic1936See Dominican Republic-Switzerland relations
  • Dominican Republic has an embassy in Bern and a consulate in Zürich
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Santo Domingo
  • The DR is home to the largest Swiss community in the Caribbean
 Mexico1827See Mexico–Switzerland relations
 Nicaragua1956
  • Nicaragua has an embassy in Geneva.
  • Switzerland is accredited to Nicaragua from its embassy in San José, Costa Rica and maintains an honorary consulate in Managua.
  • Relations with Nicaragua and Switzerland focus on development cooperation, humanitarian aid and trade.
 Peru
Main article: Peru–Switzerland relations
  • Peru has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Lima
 United States1853See Switzerland–United States relations

The first official U.S.–Swiss consular relations were established in the late 1820s. Diplomatic relations were established in 1853 by the U.S. and in 1868 by Switzerland. The U.S. ambassador to Switzerland is also accredited to the Principality of Liechtenstein.

 Uruguay1828See Switzerland–Uruguay relations

Both countries share a long history of mutual economic relations, and they established diplomatic relations in 1828.[206][207] Uruguay became a popular destination for Swiss migrants starting in the 1860s.[208] In 1931 Uruguay called for a Swiss style parliamentary system.[209] In the twentieth century, Uruguay has looked to Switzerland as a model for government, historical and cultural ties go back to at least the nineteenth century.[210] There are 956 people with Swiss passports residing in Uruguay in 2009.[211] Uruguay was described as the "Switzerland of the Americas" in a 1951 The New York Times article for its popularity as a haven for capital fleeing Europe at the time and its adoption of Swiss-inspired banking laws.[212] Thomas J. Knight also wrote that "Uruguay has for most of its history been the 'Switzerland' of South America."[213]

  • Switzerland has an embassy in Montevideo.
  • Uruguay has an embassy in Bern.
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Asia

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 ArmeniaSee Armenia–Switzerland relations

Switzerland recognized Armenia as an independent state on 23 December 1991. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations ever since.

  • Armenia has an embassy in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Yerevan.
 Azerbaijan21 January 1992See Azerbaijan–Switzerland relations
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Bern[214]
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Baku.[215]
 ChinaSee China–Switzerland relations
 Georgia
  • Georgia has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Tbilisi.
 India1948See India–Switzerland relations

India is one of Switzerland's most important partners in Asia. Bilateral and political contacts are constantly developing, and trade and scientific cooperation between the two countries are flourishing.[218] Switzerland was the first country in the World to sign a Friendship treaty with India in 1947.[219]

 Indonesia2 November 1951See Indonesia–Switzerland relations
  • In 2010, the heads of state of the two countries agreed to launch negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.[220]
  • Switzerland has named Indonesia as one of seven priority countries for economic development co-operation.[221]
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Bern, while Switzerland has an embassy in Jakarta, also accredited for East Timor and ASEAN.
  • On 6 December 1973, the Indonesian and Swiss governments signed an agreement to establish Polytechnic for Mechanics within the Bandung Institute of Technology at Bandung.[222] Today, the Swiss Mechanics Polytechnic has transformed into Bandung State Polytechnic for Manufacture.
 Iran4 March 1919See Iran–Switzerland relations
  • Iran has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Tehran.
 Iraq1 May 1946See Iraq–Switzerland relations

In November 2000 Switzerland opened a diplomatic liaison office in Baghdad to safeguard its interests. Bilateral relations became closer after the Iraq War in 2003.

  • Iraq has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland is accredited to Iraq from its embassy in Amman, Jordan.
 IsraelSee Israel–Switzerland relations

Switzerland recognized Israel on 25 January 1949 and opened a consulate in Tel Aviv.

 Japan6 February 1864
  • Japan has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Tokyo.
 Kazakhstan
  • Kazakhstan has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Astana.
 Lebanon
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Beirut.
 Malaysia1963See Malaysia–Switzerland relations
  • Malaysia has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
 North KoreaDecember 1974[223]See North Korea–Switzerland relations
  • North Korea has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland is accredited to North Korea from its embassy in Beijing, China.
 Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus has a Representative Office in Geneva.[224]
 Pakistan

Switzerland recognised Pakistan's independence from Great Britain in 1947, and the two states established diplomatic relations in 1949.[225] Switzerland ranks fifth in terms of foreign direct investment in Pakistan.[226][227]

  • Pakistan has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Islamabad and a consulate-general in Karachi.
 PalestineSee Palestine–Switzerland relations

Switzerland has a representative office in Ramallah.[228]

  • Palestine has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has a representative office in Ramallah.
 Philippines1957

Bilateral ties between the Philippines and Switzerland dates back to the early 19th century when Swiss traders, missionaries and travelers went to Southeast Asia. A Swiss representation in the Philippines was proposed in 1851, which was realized with the opening of a Swiss honorary consulate in Manila in 1862. Formal relations was established between the two countries on 30 August 1957.[229]

  • Philippines has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Manila.
 Saudi Arabia12 July 1956Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 July 1956.
  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Bern and a consulate-general in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Riyadh.
 Singapore
 South Korea11 February 1963[230]See South Korea–Switzerland relations

The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Switzerland began on 11 February 1963.

 Sri Lanka7 November 1956

See Sri Lanka-Switzerland relations

  • Sri Lanka has an embassy in Bern,Switzerland.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Colombo.
 Thailand28 May 1931See Foreign relations of Thailand

Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 May 1931.

  • Thailand has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Bangkok.
 TurkeySee Switzerland–Turkey relations
 United Arab Emirates12 September 1973Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1973.
 Vietnam11 October 1971
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Europe

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Albania20 July 1970
  • Albania has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Tirana.

See Albanians in Switzerland

 Austria1687See Austria–Switzerland relations
  • Austria has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Vienna.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
 Belarus1992
 Belgium30 September 1845Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 September 1845 when Constantin Rodenbach has been appointed as first Belgian Charge d'Affaires to Switzerland.[233]
  • Belgium has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Brussels.
 Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Sarajevo.
 Bulgaria1905
 Croatia
 Cyprus
  • Cyprus is accredited to Switzerland from its embassy in Rome, Italy.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Nicosia.
 Czech Republic
  • Czech Republic has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Prague.
 Denmark1875See Denmark–Switzerland relations
  • Denmark has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Copenhagen.
 Estonia
  • Estonia is accredited to Switzerland from its embassy in Vienna, Austria.
  • Switzerland is accredited to Estonia from its embassy in Riga, Latvia.
 Finland
  • Finland has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Helsinki.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe.
 FranceApril 1521See France–Switzerland relations
 Germany1871See Germany–Switzerland relations
 Greece8 October 1917See Greece–Switzerland relations
  • Greece has an embassy in Bern and consulates-general in Geneva.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Athens.
 Hungary
  • Hungary has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Budapest.
 Ireland
  • Ireland has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Dublin.
 Italy12 February 1860See Italy–Switzerland relations
  • Italy has an embassy in Bern and consulates-general in Geneva, Lugano and Zürich and a consulate in Basel.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Rome and a consulate-general in Milan.
 KosovoSee Kosovo–Switzerland relations

Switzerland recognized Kosovo on 27 February 2008.[239] Switzerland has an embassy in Pristina since 28 March 2008.[240] Kosovo will open an embassy in Bern. In September 2008, Swiss authorities initially expressed reservation for Designate Ambassador Naim Mala due to his double nationality[241] but latter accepted him. Switzerland currently has 212 troops serving in Kosovo as peacekeepers in the NATO led Kosovo Force.[242]

 Liechtenstein See Liechtenstein–Switzerland relations
 Moldova2 September 1992See Moldova–Switzerland relations
 Netherlands
  • Netherlands has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in The Hague.
 Norway
  • Norway has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Oslo.
 Poland
  • Poland has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Warsaw.
 Portugal
  • Portugal has an embassy in Bern and consulates-general in Geneva and Zürich and consular offices in Lugano and Sion.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Lisbon and a consulate in Porto.
 RomaniaSee Romania–Switzerland relations

Since the 1990s, Switzerland has helped Romania financially, for a total sum of 140 million Swiss Francs between 1996 and 2006, and an additional 23 million Francs in 2006–2007. Switzerland has become the 12th largest foreign investor in Romania.[243] In 2005, Romania exported goods to Switzerland for a total of 206 million Swiss Francs, with Switzerland exporting for 547 million Swiss Francs to Romania, making Romania the biggest partner of Switzerland in South-West Europe.[244] By 2006, this had increased by 26% from Romania and 38% from Switzerland.[245]

  • Romania has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Bucharest.
 Russia1816See Russia–Switzerland relations

Switzerland opened a consulate in Saint Petersburg in 1816, upgrading it to a legation 90 years later. The two countries broke off diplomatic relations in 1923, when Russia was going through a period of revolutionary turmoil – and they were not resumed until 1946.

 Serbia1916See Serbia–Switzerland relations
 Slovakia
  • Slovakia has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Bratislava.
 Slovenia
  • Slovenia has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Ljubljana.
 SpainSee Spain–Switzerland relations
  • Spain has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Madrid.
 Sweden
  • Sweden has an embassy in Bern.
  • Switzerland has an embassy in Stockholm.
 Ukraine1991See Switzerland–Ukraine relations
 United Kingdom1891See Switzerland–United Kingdom relations

Switzerland established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom in 1891.[35][better source needed]

Both countries share common membership of the Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, OECD, OSCE, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have the Berne Financial Services Agreement,[35] a Double Taxation Convention,[251] and a Trade Agreement.[252] The two countries are currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement.[253]

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Oceania

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Australia1961See Australia–Switzerland relations

Switzerland opened a consulate in Sydney in 1855 and one in Melbourne in 1856. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1961.

 New Zealand1963

Switzerland opened a consulate in Auckland in 1912. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963.

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