Ignazio Cassis, Consigliere Federale, con Alexander Schallenberg, Ministro degli Esteri dell'Austria

New strategic partnership between Switzerland and Austria

On June 11, Ministers Ignazio Cassis and Alexander Schallenberg will sign a declaration of intent to strengthen the care of interests and mutual assistance in third countries

On Friday, June 11, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will travel to Vienna where, together with his counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, he will sign a declaration of intent on the strategic partnership between the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Austria.
The following day he will also participate in the European Forum in Wachau and meet the Austrian Federal Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz.
The bilateral relations between Switzerland and Austria are dynamic and diverse.
The strength and importance of this bond was once again confirmed by the joint efforts to manage the pandemic.

Ignazio Cassis at the Council of Europe for Digital Rights

Bandiera della Repubblica d'Austria — Flag of the Republic of Austria

Bandiera della Confederazione Svizzera — Flag of the Swiss Confederation

A Declaration of Intent already approved in Bern on 24 February

It is therefore in the interest of both countries to strengthen bilateral relations, and it is with this in mind that Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and his counterpart Alexander Schallenberg will sign a Declaration of Intent on the Strategic Partnership between Switzerland and Austria, which has already been approved by the Federal Council on 24 February 2021.
This declaration is a non-binding instrument that allows for the expansion of cooperation in specific areas.
One example is the strengthening of interest representation and mutual assistance in third countries.
This strengthening of consular cooperation benefits the citizens of both countries.

Comparison between the five German-speaking countries in Lugano

Il Consiglio Federale Ignazio Cassis nella Casa Beatrice von Wattenwyl a Berna — Federal Council Ignazio Cassis in the Beatrice von Wattenwyl House in Bern

Wachau European Forum: “Heading for New Horizons” theme

On June 12, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will take part in the Wachau European Forum, during which he will explain Switzerland’s prospects following the Federal Council’s decision on May 26 to break off negotiations on the framework agreement with the EU.
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn will also be speaking at the 25th anniversary of the Forum, which this year is dedicated to the theme “Heading for New Horizons”.
At the end of the forum, the Foreign Minister of Switzerland will meet with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein in full agreement about the future