Switzerland has extended its role of providing good offices between disputing countries by signing an agreement to represent Iran’s interests in Canada.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/mga
Español
es
Suiza representará los intereses de Irán en Canadá
Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012 and closed its embassy in Tehran. Switzerland has agreed to step into the breach as a go-between, having signed a protecting power mandate in CanadaExternal link agreement with Iran in Bern on Thursday. The arrangement will not include consulate services.
Switzerland acts as a diplomatic messenger between Iran and the US, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Switzerland welcomed Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and other diplomats in Bern on Thursday. Discussions ranged from “bilateral, regional and multilateral matters, as well as judicial and human rights issues”.
“The consultations were held against the backdrop of tensions that have recently affected regional and global stability,” read a Swiss government statementExternal link.
The two sides also reviewed a cooperation road map that was signed in 2016. This has now been extended to cover cooperation on water and health.
Working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being, says Swiss study
This content was published on
A study by the University of Bern shows that working on Sundays is detrimental to well-being and particularly affects women.
Safra Sarasin private bank and former asset manager sentenced
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has fined private bank J. Safra Sarasin CHF3.5 million for aggravated money laundering. A former bank employee received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
JPMorgan to pay CHF270 million to settle 1MDB claims
This content was published on
JPMorgan Chase has agreed to pay CHF270 million to the Malaysian government to settle all issues related to its role in the 1MDB financial scandal.
Famine confirmed in Gaza for first time, says UN-backed report
This content was published on
Famine has been declared in a northern part of the Gaza Strip, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system.
Zurich Airport ground handling staff to strike on Friday
This content was published on
Ground handling staff at Zurich Airport have announced a strike for Friday afternoon. According to a union, 200 jobs are at risk.
This content was published on
Philippe Lazzarini will step down as head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) at the end of his term in March, he announced on Thursday.
Swiss government predicts CHF845 million budget deficit in 2026
This content was published on
The Federal Council published its 2026 budget proposal on Thursday: a projected deficit of CHF845 million francs ($1 billion).
This content was published on
The Gösgen nuclear power plant in northwestern Switzerland will be out of service for six months. It has not been connected to the grid since late May.
Swiss authorities and firms agree to cut sugar in cereals, yoghurts and drinks
This content was published on
Cereals, yoghurts and drinks in Switzerland will contain less sugar by 2028. The Swiss government and 21 companies renewed the so-called Milan Declaration in Bern on Thursday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss ask US to ease aid deliveries to Iran
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Cassis has called on the US to facilitate the provision of aid to Iran to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran.
This content was published on
Switzerland has agreed to represent the interests of the US in Venezuela. Former top Swiss diplomat Tim Guldimann gives some analysis.
US ambassador talks up Swiss offer to host North Korea summit
This content was published on
The United States ambassador to Switzerland says a Swiss offer of good offices to help host a potential North Korea summit is “serious”.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.