During his time in Davos, the head of the FDFA held a series of bilateral talks on the main topics currently of interest to Swiss foreign policy. Mr Cassis' programme included talks with EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, during which the two men welcomed the substantive conclusion of the negotiations between Switzerland and the EU. They also discussed the timetable and the respective next steps in the process up to the entry into force of the negotiating package. Bilateral relations were also on the agenda during talks with the Czech foreign minister, Jan Lipavský, and the Belgian foreign minister, Bernard Quintin.

To discuss Switzerland's future chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2026, Mr Cassis met with the Finnish foreign minister and current OSCE chairperson-in-office, Elina Valtonen. Switzerland commenced its leadership role on 1 January 2025 as a member of the OSCE Troika, made up of the countries chairing the OSCE in 2024 (Malta), 2025 (Finland) and 2026 (Switzerland). Mr Cassis and Ms Valtonen discussed the priorities and preparations for their respective OSCE chairpersonships.

The head of the FDFA also took part in the dialogue session on diplomacy in the Western Balkans, which brought together a wide range of European ministers.

Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East at the heart of discussions

The war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East were also discussed bilaterallyin Davos. Mr Cassis held talks with the Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, focusing mainly on developments in the military situation on the ground and on the possible diplomatic efforts that Switzerland might make. He reiterated Switzerland's commitment to long-term reconstruction in Ukraine. In April 2024, the Federal Council approved funding of CHF 5 billion up to 2036 for this purpose.

Mr Cassis was also able to discuss the current situation in the Middle East during his meetings with the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog, the Iraqi foreign minister and deputy prime minister, Fuad Hussein, Jordanian deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ayman Al-Safadi, as well as the new foreign minister of the Syrian transitional government, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. In particular, he welcomed the start last Sunday of the implementation of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The discussions also served to highlight the need for a political horizon for the implementation of a negotiated two-state solution, which would form the basis for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and dignity.

The situation in the region was also discussed during an exchange with the vice-president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif.

Lastly, Mr Cassis took advantage of his presence at the World Economic Forum to hold talks with the prime minister of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, the prime minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, and the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner.

Ignazio Cassis highlights Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East at Davos 2025