Amherd said the Russian invasions of Ukraine made it clear that Switzerland should seek closer cooperation, including the US, she told a news conference in Washington on Friday.
But she reiterated that neutral Switzerland had not plans of joining the 28-member NATO alliance.
She was addressing the media following a meeting with the US deputy defence minister, Kathleen Hicks.
The talks also covered security concerns caused by climate change and promoting participation of women in the armed forces.
Switzerland is to buy 36 F-35 fighter jets as well as air defence systems from the US following a nationwide vote in 2020.
A pacifist group launched a people’s initiative trying to block the purchase, prompting concerns the deal might be delayed.
Hicks said the acquisition would not only increase Switzerland’s sovereign defence capabilities, but also boost interoperability with other European partners and the US, according to a statement by the US defence ministry.
Should raw milk sales be banned or should consumers decide?
Swiss food regulations do not allow raw milk to be sold for direct consumption. However, a loophole allows 400 raw milk vending machines to do just that.
Switzerland to step up humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Syria
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The Swiss government decided to allocate an additional CHF7 million to the two countries in response to the escalating violence in the Middle East.
Report exposes widespread hygiene issues in Swiss hospitals
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A Swissmedic report found that nearly all of the 25 Swiss hospitals inspected had issues with disinfecting, sterilising and packaging of medical products.
Swiss bank Mirabaud closes brokerage unit due to poor performance
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The move spanning the bank’s global operations means a loss of 17 jobs, including five each in Switzerland and the UK, and seven in Spain.
Guterres condemns Israel’s plan to label UNRWA a terrorist organisation
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has spoken out against a law proposed by the Israeli parliament that would classify UNRWA as a terrorist organisation.
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The Swiss federal technology institute ETH Zurich is the best university in continental Europe, according to the Times Higher Education ranking.
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Is Switzerland moving towards a European security alliance?
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Calls for more military cooperation are getting louder in Switzerland. How far can the country bend its traditional policy of neutrality?
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Defence Minister Viola Amherd is standing by the government’s decision to buy F-35A jets despite pushback from a left-wing coalition.
Swiss defence minister repeats calls for stronger army
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The Swiss armed forces need to be boosted and better prepared, argues Defence Minister Viola Amherd. Nato membership however is “not an option”.
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