The Swiss embassy in Islamabad (picture) is taking over the consular activities of the representation in Karachi.
Keystone
Two Swiss consulates general in the United States and in Pakistan are to close by the end of this year.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/urs
On a recommendation by the foreign ministry, the government on Wednesday decided to shut down its representations in Los Angeles and Karachi, a statement said.
It said the two consulates general no longer provided consular services and had limited opportunities to promote Swiss business interests, trade and tourism.
Such activities on the west coast of the US have been carried out primarily by the consulate general in San Francisco together with institutions including Switzerland Tourism, Swiss Business Hub and swissnex.
The foreign ministry said it was considering a request by the parliament’s foreign affairs committees to reopen the consulate general in Chicago, to further Switzerland’s economic interests in the Midwest.
Network adapted
Switzerland’s network abroad currently comprises about 170 representations, including 36 embassies and consulates general that have been opened since the 1990s.
In turn, more than 30 consulates general, mainly in the US and in western Europe, have been closed over the past 20 years.
Following a decision about cost-cutting measures last year the government has proposed a further reduction of consulates general.
Cuts in Switzerland’s diplomatic network have frustrated the Swiss Abroad community over the past few years.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
This content was published on
Emergency crews contained the oil and began removing some of the pollution from the water’s surface, said the St Gallen cantonal police on Sunday.
Switzerland lifts sanctions on Syria after Assad’s fall
This content was published on
Switzerland is lifting economic sanctions on Syria, but targeted measures against figures linked to the former regime remain in place.
Thousands march in Bern calling for Gaza ceasefire
This content was published on
More than 10,000 people – or up to 20,000, according to organisers – marched through central Bern on Saturday afternoon in support for Gaza.
Zurich Pride draws large crowds amid financial strain
This content was published on
Following US President Donald Trump’s attacks on diversity initiatives, Zurich Pride fears more sponsors could pull out and is now facing financial difficulties.
Switzerland ‘deeply alarmed’ by Middle East escalation
This content was published on
Switzerland has voiced serious concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, and the UN chief says he is ‘alarmed’ by US strikes on Iran.
Switzerland among world’s most expensive for household electricity
This content was published on
According to a study by the comparison site Verivox, based on data from Global Petrol Prices, Switzerland came in tenth out of 143 countries.
Global uncertainty boosts Swiss-EU talks, says Cassis
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says Switzerland’s talks with the European Union (EU) have been boosted by the current difficult global situation.
This content was published on
The assembly in the city of Lausanne on Friday heard some details about the latest round of changes at embassies and consulates general, notably in the United States and Canada. As part of a cost-cutting programme launched by parliament, the consulates general in Chicago and Toronto will be closed, while the office in Los Angeles…
This content was published on
The online desk allows Swiss citizens living abroad to enter, modify and consult their data at any time and from any location, according to a statement published on Wednesday. It enables citizens to add personally their names to the Register of the Swiss Abroad. Consular services, including confirmation of registration and citizenship, can also be…
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.