The FDFA, headed by Ignazio Cassis, determines and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council. The FDFA consists of the organisational units at head office in Bern and Switzerland’s external network, which includes embassies, consulates, cooperation offices and missions.
Organisation of the FDFA
- Federal Palace West Wing: General Secretariat, State Secretariat
- Federal Palace East Wing: State Secretariat
- Bundesgasse: General Secretariat, State Secretariat, Directorate for Resources
- Effingerstrasse 43: Consular Directorate, State Secretariat, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
- Federal Palace North Wing: Directorate of International Law
- Freiburgstrasse: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Directorate for Resources
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) determines and coordinates Swiss foreign policy on behalf of the Federal Council, pursues the set foreign policy objectives, safeguards Switzerland’s national interests and promotes Swiss values. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis took office as head of the FDFA on 1 November 2017.
The FDFA has some 170 representations around the world. This external network includes embassies, consulates, cooperation offices and permanent missions to international organisations.
The FDFA head office in Bern is home to the General Secretariat, State Secretariat and four directorates.