Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation
10/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/14/2024 11:09
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries in Luxembourg
The foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries met today in Luxembourg to discuss cross-border and multilateral cooperation. They also discussed the role of the United Nations Security Council, which Switzerland is chairing for the second time this October, in the current geopolitical context.
At the invitation of Luxembourg's foreign minister, Xavier Bettel, Mr Cassis today took part in the annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries alongside his counterparts Dominique Hasler of Liechtenstein and Alexander Schallenberg of Austria, as well as German Minister of State Anna Lührmann.
The format of this yearly event fosters close exchanges between these neighbouring countries, allowing them to discuss current political issues of common interest.
This year's edition focused on cross-border cooperation, which is a priority for Switzerland given its location, as well as multilateral cooperation at the UN and the UN's role in the current geopolitical climate. In this context Mr Cassis shared Switzerland's experiences at the Security Council with his counterparts, including the priorities of the second Swiss presidency in October 2024: building sustainable peace, protecting civilians, addressing climate security, and enhancing the Security Council's effectiveness.
The ministers also discussed European affairs, with Mr Cassis giving an update on Swiss-EU relations.
The annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries enables exchanges on specific issues of common interest. The next edition is scheduled to take place in Switzerland in 2025.
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