Americas News TickerSkip to main contentSwiss federal authoritiesLanguage dropdown English selectedDEFRITEN Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA FDFA Federal Department of Foreign Affairs  FDFA Search Search Helpline Jobs Protocol Media Contact CommunicationPublished on 12 August 2026 Americas News Ticker Here you will find news on the FDFA’s latest activities across the Americas. The focus is on implementing the Americas Strategy and responding to crisis situations. This news ticker focuses on the implementation of the Americas strategy. — © FDFA Americas Strategy 2026–29 The Federal Council's Americas Strategy 2026–29 gives Switzerland a more distinct foreign policy profile in the Americas by defining clear geographical and thematic priorities for the years ahead. Geographical priorities US: Switzerland aims to reduce trade barriers, improve economic conditions and step up collaboration with the US on research, innovation and vocational education and training. Security policy dialogue formats are being expanded too. At the same time, Switzerland continues to offer its good offices, for example as a protecting power for the US in Iran, or as part of peacebuilding efforts in Ukraine and the Persian Gulf. Canada: Swiss relations with Canada are centred on updating existing agreements, including the free trade agreement between EFTA and Canada. Cooperation on research and innovation will also be stepped up, especially in climate and sustainability, life sciences, artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Mexico: Swiss cooperation with Mexico focuses on economic affairs and trade, in particular the updating of the EFTA free trade agreement and the investment promotion and protection agreement. In parallel, bilateral and multilateral dialogue on human rights will continue and cooperation on climate protection will be intensified. Brazil: Brazil is a key partner in view of its economic importance, significance as a regional actor and crucial role in protecting the Amazon basin. Switzerland is advocating for the entry into force of the EFTA–MERCOSUR free trade agreement, promoting cooperation on research, innovation and environmental issues, and continuing dialogue on human rights. Argentina: Economic cooperation is also a key priority with Argentina. In addition to the EFTA-MERCOSUR agreement, Switzerland is supporting Argentina with the OECD accession process and is deepening political dialogue. Thematic priorities Switzerland has defined four thematic priorities in line with the Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27 that enable it to pursue an active, coherent and independent foreign policy while strategically deepening its relations with the states of the Americas. Commitment to peace and security Switzerland is contributing its experience in peacebuilding and diplomacy. It provides good offices, supports dialogue processes and assists with humanitarian aid – for example in crisis situations such as in Haiti. Switzerland has a firm commitment in Colombia, where it supports peace processes and is helping to implement the 2016 peace agreement. Economic affairs, innovation and sustainable development To diversify its trade relations with the Americas Switzerland is seeking to improve business conditions for Swiss companies. Free trade and investment agreements play a key role in achieving this. Switzerland is also promoting sustainable economic models and responsible business practices, for example in the commodities sector. It is endeavouring to create optimal conditions for scientific collaboration with universities, research institutions and centres of innovation. Climate protection and biodiversity Switzerland is consolidating its activities on climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental affairs at a thematic hub based in Lima. In addition, in various places in Latin America, Switzerland is also implementing bilateral climate protection agreements in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and supporting biodiversity conservation projects – particularly in the Amazon basin – and programmes on the sustainable use of resources and water management. Democracy and governance Promoting democracy, human rights and good governance remains a major part of Swiss foreign policy. Switzerland supports democratic institutions, participates in election observation missions and assists in the fight against corruption. Multilateralism Finally, Switzerland supports effective multilateralism. It works with partner states in the Americas in international organisations to address issues concerning international law, human rights, environmental policy and international security. Switzerland's key regional partners are the Organization of American States (OAS), with which it collaborates on defending democracy and human rights, as well as on election observation missions, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Further information 12.08.2026 – Switzerland provides financial support for humanitarian aid following the earthquake in Colombia Following the earthquake in Colombia, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has released one million francs to support humanitarian aid. As part of an emergency response, 500,000 Swiss francs are being channelled to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and to several local non-governmental organisations operating in the particularly affected regions of Chocó, Cali and the Eje Cafetero. In a second phase, a further 500,000 Swiss francs will be used to meet the basic needs of the population in the devastated areas. Rescuers are searching for people buried under the rubble in the city of Pereira. — © AP The Swiss mission in Bogotá is in contact with the relevant local authorities. The FDFA currently has no information regarding any Swiss victims. Checks are ongoing. Around 2,800 Swiss nationals are registered in Colombia as Swiss citizens living abroad. On the Travel Admin platform, around 140 people are registered as travellers. A dozen calls have been received via the FDFA Helpline (enquiries regarding travel advice, behavioural recommendations, and relatives who have not yet been contacted). The FDFA is providing support in this regard through consular protection. A notice has been sent to Swiss nationals registered in Colombia or staying in the country as tourists; the mission’s website has also been updated and directs Swiss nationals to further information. 11.08.2026 – President Parmelin offers condolences following the earthquake in Colombia loading... Following the earthquake in Colombia, with its epicentre near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department in western Colombia, President Guy Parmelin has, on behalf of Switzerland, expressed his solidarity to the victims and their families. Following the earthquake, the Colombian authorities have declared a national state of emergency. Swiss nationals in the area are advised to follow the instructions of the local authorities. In emergencies, please contact the police (Tel: 123) or the local authority responsible for civil protection: Grupo de Protección, +57 601 375 23 51. Switzerland is closely monitoring the situation in Colombia following the severe earthquake. The relevant authorities are currently assessing whether and in what form Switzerland can provide support. This includes the possibility of deploying specialists. 08.07.2026 –President Parmelin and Mexico's President Sheinbaum strengthen bilateral trade relations During his visit to Mexico on Wednesday, 8 July, President Guy Parmelin met with President Claudia Sheinbaum and ministers from the Mexican government. The talks focused on bilateral relations, trade policy and the geopolitical situation. President Parmelin was accompanied on his visit by a business delegation. During the political talks, both sides emphasised their excellent, long-standing bilateral relations. Switzerland opened its first consulate in Mexico as early as 1827, and diplomatic relations have been maintained for 80 years. Both countries are united by their commitment to prosperity, peace and stability. Trade policy was a key focus of the talks between Mr Parmelin and Ms Sheinbaum. Both sides reaffirm their support for the modernisation of the 25-year-old free trade agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Mexico. Mexico is Switzerland’s second most important trading partner in Latin America, whilst Switzerland is the sixth-largest investor in the country. The two presidents reaffirm that cooperation in the fields of culture and science should be strengthened. Press release, EAER 02.07.2026 – Earthquakes in Venezuela: Swiss Rescue operations conclude, humanitarian aid continues In Venezuela the death toll from the two powerful earthquakes continues to rise. The destruction is extensive. Having worked since last Friday to free people trapped in the rubble, Swiss Rescue personnel have concluded their mission and are returning home. Switzerland is continuing to provide emergency aid and is sending specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit to assist survivors. Press release 29.06.2026 – US tariffs: Federal Council reaffirms commitment to Switzerland–US joint statement A comprehensive trade agreement remains the Federal Council's overarching aim with the United States. As part of the ongoing tariff discussions with the United States, the Federal Council published a declaration of intent on 29 June, setting out how it will implement its specific commitments arising from the joint statement of 14 November 2025. In addition to the reduced import tariffs on a range of US products already introduced following the signing of the statement, the Federal Council intends to take further steps to deliver on the measures agreed therein. These concern the streamlined recognition of US standards in the areas of conformity assessment bodies, medical devices and passenger cars, as well as government procurement. The Federal Council will give effect to these measures through regulatory amendments. The implementation of these measures is in keeping with the objectives agreed in the joint statement and consistent with the Federal Council's negotiating mandate for the talks with the United States. At the same time, the Federal Council expects the United States to honour its commitments under the joint statement. This announcement further contributes to the stabilisation of bilateral economic relations between Switzerland and the United States and gives Swiss exporters greater planning certainty. Negotiations on a legally binding trade agreement are ongoing. Press release, EAER, 29 June 2026 29.06.2026 – The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela The Swiss rescue mission in Venezuela is still underway but will be completed in the next few days. The FDFA will provide an update on the outcome of the operations and the date of the Swiss Rescue Chain’s return to Switzerland in due course. In addition, the FDFA’s Directorate for Development and Cooperation is currently examining possible steps beyond this relief phase. The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain continues its operations in Venezuela. — © FDFA Previous image Next image 26.06.2026 – The Swiss Rescue Chain arrived in Caracas The Swiss Rescue Chain arrives in Venezuela. — © FDFA The Swiss Rescue Chain arrived in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Friday, 26 June, following the severe…