Cassis, who holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, advocates action similar to the US Marshall Plan that was set up to rebuild Europe following the Second World War.
Cassis was speaking in Berlin at an international conference on Ukraine set up by the European Union and Germany’s presidency of the G7 nations.
Cassis paid a surprise visit to Ukraine last week where he spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials.
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Swiss conference sets principles for Ukraine reconstruction
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An international conference to support Ukraine has agreed to a series of principles to oversee the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
“I was in Kyiv last week where I met many very brave people. We all owe them our deepest respect. For months they have been working day and night to defend themselves against Russia’s aggression and to regain the territorial integrity of their country,” Cassis said on Tuesday.
“I was extremely impressed and moved by the resolve and strength of the people, despite the man-made humanitarian disaster that is unfolding here in Europe before our very eyes… in the 21st century, and with winter fast approaching.”
“Even if we are unfortunately unable to predict when the war will end, it would be unforgivable not to move forward resolutely with the political process of reconstruction. The people of Ukraine, just like the many refugees from Ukraine, deserve a perspective that offers hope.”
Lugano Conference
Switzerland hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Lugano on July 5, attended by representatives of some 40 states and 15 international organisations.
Cassis now wants to build on the ‘Lugano Principles’ to rebuild Ukraine by defining the extent of humanitarian assistance and political support to help Ukraine after it emerges from the conflict.
The International Expert Conference on the Recovery of Ukraine was attended by EU countries and representatives of international bodies such as the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
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Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
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Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
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St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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Lugano summit seeks deal to rebuild war-torn Ukraine
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The Swiss city of Lugano is hosting a two-day meeting to plan the reconstruction of Ukraine. How can states help the war-ravaged country?
‘Kyiv already feels cold’, says Swiss president on visit
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Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, who also holds the rotating Swiss presidency this year, arrived in Ukraine on Thursday morning.
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Swiss President Ignazio Cassis thanked his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu for her country’s solidarity with Ukraine at a meeting in Chisinau.
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