foreign relations of Switzerland
{{Short description|none}}
{{External links|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Politics of Switzerland}}
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
File:Original Geneva Conventions.jpg (1864). Geneva is the city that hosts the highest number of international organisations in the world.{{in lang|fr}} François Modoux, "La Suisse engagera 300 millions pour rénover le Palais des Nations", Le Temps, Friday 28 June 2013, page 9.]]
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:
- alleviate need and poverty in the world;
- promote respect for human rights and democracy;
- promote the peaceful coexistence of peoples;
- promote preservation of natural resources.
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=
File:ONU Geneva mainroom.jpg 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.{{cite news|title=Why did Switzerland only join the United Nations in 2002?|url=https://www.iamexpat.ch/expat-info/swiss-expat-news/why-did-switzerland-only-join-united-nations-2002|newspaper=IamExpat.ch|date=2022-10-24|access-date=2023-04-10}} 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.{{cite web|title=Switzerland and the UN: a long history|url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/newsuebersicht/2020/06/75-jahre-uno-charta.html|website=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs|date=2020-06-26|access-date=2023-04-11}} 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".{{cite web | title=Switzerland elected to UN Security Council | website=SWI swissinfo.ch | date=2022-06-09 | url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/switzerland-elected-to-un-security-council/47661050 | access-date=2022-06-09}} Other stated priorities are peace building, supporting women into the political process, minorities rights and human rights and more transparency from the Security Council.{{cite web | url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-confirms-un-security-council-priorities/47866430 | title=Switzerland confirms UN Security Council priorities| date=31 August 2022}}
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|date=April 2018}}
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.
[http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/topics/peasec/peac/intpo.html International peace-keeping operations.] Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Federal Administration admin.ch. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
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.
{{cite web |url=http://www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/vtg/en/home/themen/einsaetze/peace/swisscoy.html |title=SWISSCOY (Kosovo) |access-date=2013-12-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204002631/http://www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/vtg/en/home/themen/einsaetze/peace/swisscoy.html |archive-date=4 December 2013 |df=dmy-all}} Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. Federal Administration admin.ch. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
=Representation of foreign entities and in foreign disputes=
File:Iran negotiations about Iran's nuclear.jpg 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.{{cite encyclopedia |last1=Schelbert |first1=Leo |article=Good offices |title=Historical Dictionary of Switzerland |year=2014 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=9781442233522 |page=153}} 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."{{cite journal | title = La voix suisse des Etats-Unis à Cuba se tait | journal = Le Temps | date = 11 September 2015 | language = fr | url = https://www.letemps.ch/monde/2015/09/11/voix-suisse-etats-unis-cuba-se-tait | issn = 1423-3967 | access-date = 17 February 2016 | archive-date = 24 January 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170124115317/https://www.letemps.ch/monde/2015/09/11/voix-suisse-etats-unis-cuba-se-tait | url-status = dead}}
{{check quotation}}
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){{Cite web |last=AFP |title=Saudi embassy in Iran resumes operations following seven-year hiatus |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/saudi-embassy-in-iran-resumes-operations-following-seven-year-hiatus/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=timesofisrael.com}}
- 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.http://www.vtg.admin.ch/internet/groupgst/en/home/peace/peace/laufende/afghanistan/factsheet.html{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
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.{{cite web|title=The Swiss Role in Palestinian Politics|url=https://chronicle.fanack.com/palestine/history-past-to-present/the-swiss-role-in-palestinian-politics/|website=Fanack.com|access-date=20 April 2015|archive-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427111039/https://chronicle.fanack.com/palestine/history-past-to-present/the-swiss-role-in-palestinian-politics/|url-status=dead}}
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.{{cite news |last1=Noack |first1=Rick |last2=Westfall |first2=Sammy |title=In move to sanction Russia, Switzerland breaks from long tradition |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/02/28/switzerland-neutral-ukraine-russia-sanctions/ |newspaper=Washington Post |date=28 February 2022}} In August 2022, Russia rejected a proposed Swiss mandate to represent Ukrainian interests in Russia, considering that Switzerland had lost its neutral status.{{cite news |title=Russia rejects protecting power mandate agreed by Switzerland and Ukraine |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-and-ukraine-agree-draft-protecting-power-mandate/47817660 |work=swissinfo.ch |date=11 August 2022}}
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.[https://www.srf.ch/play/tv/tagesschau/video/tagesschau-vom-18-04-2023-hauptausgabe?urn=urn:srf:video:77a5ef98-25d9-412c-8666-1c95c193c408 SRF Tagesschau vom 18.4.2023] (in German). Accessed 19 April 2023.
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.[https://www.arabnews.com/node/2298301/business-economy "Mining and minerals trade discussed by Saudi industry minister and Swiss officials"] Arab News. 5 May 2023. Accessed 7 May 2023.[https://www.arabnews.com/node/2283481/saudi-arabia "Saudi officials arrive in Iran to discuss reopening diplomatic missions"] Arab News. Accessed 7 May 2023. Even though the country has a policy of neutrality, Its parliament voted in December 2024 to outlaw both Hamas and Hezbollah.{{Cite web |title=Swiss parliament votes to ban Hezbollah |url=https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/lebanon-news/824938/swiss-parliament-votes-to-ban-hezbollah/en |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=LBCIV7 |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Federal Council opens consultation on draft legislation to ban Hamas |url=https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-100129.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.admin.ch}}
Diplomatic representations
- Diplomatic representations of Switzerland: [https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/representations-and-travel-advice/schweizer-vertretungen-im-ausland.html Official list]
- Diplomatic representations in Switzerland: [https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/representations-and-travel-advice/foreign-representations-in-switzerland.html Official list]
Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with:
=Multilateral=
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!width="15%"| Organization !width="12%"| Formal Relations Began !Notes | ||
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|{{Flag|European Union}} | 1972 | See Switzerland–European Union relations
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|{{Flag|NATO}} |
| See Switzerland–NATO relations
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Bilateral relations
=Africa=
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|{{flag|Algeria}} | 13 November 1962 | * Algeria has an embassy in Bern.
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|{{flag|Angola}} | 30 September 1976 | * Angola has an embassy in Bern.
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|{{flag|Chad}} | 16 December 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 December 1963 when appointed first Ambassador of Switzerland to Chad (resident in Lagos) Mr. Giovanni Enrico Bucher |
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|{{flag|Egypt}} | 11 March 1935 | See 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.{{Cite book |last=Béat de Fischer |title=Contributions à la connaissance des relations suisses-égyptiennes d'environ 100 à 1949 |publisher=Presses de la Maison Ramos, Afonso & Moita |year=1956 |pages=167 |language=fr}}
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|{{flag|Ethiopia}} | 2 May 1952 | * Ethiopia has an embassy in Geneva.
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|{{flag|Kenya}} | 28 February 1964 | See 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{{Cite web |title=Ambassade de Suisse à Nairobi (1964...) |url=https://dodis.ch/R6480?p=0&dad=0&dau=0&dm=2&o=0&dc=0 |access-date=24 June 2023 |website=dodis.ch |language=fr}}
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|{{flag|Madagascar}} | 13 June 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 June 1961.
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|{{flag|Nigeria}} | 1 October 1960 | * Nigeria has an embassy in Bern. |
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|{{flag|Senegal}} | 26 May 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 May 1961.
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|{{flag|South Africa}} | 11 March 1952 | See South Africa–Switzerland relations
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=Americas=
=Asia=
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!width="15%"| Country !width="12%"| Formal relations began !Notes | ||
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|{{flag|Armenia}} | See Armenia–Switzerland relations
Switzerland recognized Armenia as an independent state on 23 December 1991. The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations ever since.
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|{{flag|Azerbaijan}} | 21 January 1992 | See Azerbaijan–Switzerland relations
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|{{flag|China}} | See China–Switzerland relations | |
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|{{flag|Georgia}} | * Georgia has an embassy in Bern.
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|{{Flag|India}} | 1948 | See 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.dfae.ch/eda/en/home/recent/media/single.html?id=41355|title=Error|work=dfae.ch}} Switzerland was the first country in the World to sign a Friendship treaty with India in 1947.{{cite web|url=http://www.tsr.ch/info/suisse/3433893-la-presidente-indienne-pratibha-devisingh-patil-sera-en-suisse-lundi-et-mardi-pour-une-visite-d-etat.html|title=La présidente indienne Pratibha Devisingh Patil sera en Suisse lundi et mardi pour une visite d'Etat|work=rts.ch|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206093511/http://www.tsr.ch/info/suisse/3433893-la-presidente-indienne-pratibha-devisingh-patil-sera-en-suisse-lundi-et-mardi-pour-une-visite-d-etat.html|url-status=dead}} |
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|{{flag|Indonesia}} | 2 November 1951 | See Indonesia–Switzerland relations
|url = https://jakartaglobe.id/archive/indonesia-and-switzerland-share-common-principles/ |title = Indonesia and Switzerland Share Common Principles |date = 2 August 2012 |newspaper = Jakarta Globe |access-date = 17 December 2018 |archive-date = 17 December 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181217112602/https://jakartaglobe.id/archive/indonesia-and-switzerland-share-common-principles/ |url-status = dead }}
|url = http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/vidn/bilino.html |title = Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Indonesia |date = 7 November 2012 |publisher = Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland |access-date = 17 June 2013}}
|url = http://www.deplu.go.id/Daftar%20Perjanjian%20Internasional/swiss.htm |title = List of Agreements Between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Indonesia |publisher = Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia |access-date = 17 June 2013 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100521122234/http://www.deplu.go.id/Daftar%20Perjanjian%20Internasional/swiss.htm |archive-date = 21 May 2010 }} Today, the Swiss Mechanics Polytechnic has transformed into Bandung State Polytechnic for Manufacture. |
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|{{flag|Iran}} | 4 March 1919 | See Iran–Switzerland relations
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|{{flag|Iraq}} | 1 May 1946 | See 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.
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|{{flag|Israel}} | See Israel–Switzerland relations
Switzerland recognized Israel on 25 January 1949 and opened a consulate in Tel Aviv.
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|{{flag|Japan}} | 6 February 1864 | * Japan has an embassy in Bern.
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|{{flag|Kazakhstan}} | * Kazakhstan has an embassy in Bern.
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|{{flag|Lebanon}} | * Lebanon has an embassy in Bern.
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|{{flag|Malaysia}} | 1963 | See Malaysia–Switzerland relations
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|{{flag|North Korea}} | December 1974{{Cite web|url=https://search.naver.com/search.naver?where=nexearch&query=%EB%B6%81%ED%95%9C+%EC%8A%A4%EC%9C%84%EC%8A%A4+%EC%88%98%EA%B5%90&sm=top_hty&fbm=0&ie=utf8|title=북한 스위스 수교: 네이버 통합검색|website=search.naver.com}} | See North Korea–Switzerland relations
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| {{flag|Northern Cyprus}}
| |Northern Cyprus has a Representative Office in Geneva.{{Cite web|date=2015-06-09|title=İLETİŞİM – Cenevre Temsilciliği|url=https://cenevre.mfa.gov.ct.tr/iletisim/|access-date=2021-10-29|language=tr}} | ||
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|{{flag|Pakistan}} | Switzerland recognised Pakistan's independence from Great Britain in 1947, and the two states established diplomatic relations in 1949.{{cite web|url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/vpak/bilpak.html|title=Bilateral relations Switzerland–Pakistan|access-date=20 February 2015}} Switzerland ranks fifth in terms of foreign direct investment in Pakistan.{{cite web | url=https://www.nation.com.pk/30-Jul-2010/switzerland-ranks-5th-for-fdi-in-pakistan | title=Switzerland ranks 5th for FDI in Pakistan | date=30 July 2010 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.opf.org.pk/download/anual/YEARBK.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2009-04-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524170403/http://www.opf.org.pk/download/anual/YEARBK.pdf |archive-date=24 May 2010 |df=dmy}} | |
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|{{flag|Palestine}} | See Palestine–Switzerland relations
Switzerland has a representative office in Ramallah.{{Cite web |title=Representative Office of Switzerland Ramallah |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/ramallah |access-date=2024-01-02 |website=www.eda.admin.ch |language=en}}
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|{{flag|Philippines}} | 1957 | 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.philembassyberne.ch/embassy.htm |title=Philippine Embassy | Bern, Switzerland |publisher=Philembassyberne.ch |access-date=2 June 2012}}
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|{{flag|Saudi Arabia}} | 12 July 1956 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 July 1956. |
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|{{flag|Singapore}} | * Singapore is accredited to Switzerland from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs based in Singapore.
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|{{flag|South Korea}} | 11 February 1963{{cite web|url=http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/europe/countries/20070823/1_24593.jsp?menu=m_30_40|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224083950/http://www.mofa.go.kr/ENG/countries/europe/countries/20070823/1_24593.jsp?menu=m_30_40|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-12-24|title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea-Europe|author=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea}} | See South Korea–Switzerland relations
The establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Switzerland began on 11 February 1963.
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|{{flag|Sri Lanka}} | 7 November 1956 | See Sri Lanka-Switzerland relations
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|{{flag|Thailand}} | 28 May 1931 | See Foreign relations of Thailand
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 May 1931. |
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|{{flag|Turkey}} | See Switzerland–Turkey relations
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|{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} | 12 September 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 September 1973.
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|{{flag|Vietnam}} | 11 October 1971 | *Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 October 1971.
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=Europe=
=Oceania=
| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
!width="15%"| Country !width="12%"| Formal relations began !Notes | ||
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|{{flag|Australia}} | 1961 | See Australia–Switzerland relations
Switzerland opened a consulate in Sydney in 1855 and one in Melbourne in 1856. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1961.
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|{{flag|New Zealand}} | 1963 | Switzerland opened a consulate in Auckland in 1912. Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963.
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See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs].
- [http://www.dodis.ch/ Swiss Diplomatic Documents (DDS)]
- [http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/topics/intorg/un.html Switzerland and the United Nations]
- [http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/fl-aussenstelle-bern/fl-aussenstelle-bern-bilateral.htm Bilateral relations Switzerland – Liechtenstein]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122143127/http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/fl-aussenstelle-bern/fl-aussenstelle-bern-bilateral.htm |date=22 November 2009}}.
{{Foreign relations of Switzerland}}
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