Security and multilateral cooperation in today's changing world at the forefront of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis' talks in Davos
Davos, 22.01.2026 — During his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, focused his discussions on security and stability in Europe and the Middle East, multilateral cooperation and Switzerland's chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Ukraine and European security
Several of Mr Cassis's meetings centred on the situation in Ukraine and the European security architecture. During in-depth discussions with the Ukrainian foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, and the OSCE secretary general, Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Mr Cassis emphasised the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. He reiterated Switzerland's confidence that, once conditions allow, the OSCE will be able to play an instrumental role as a platform for dialogue with a view to supporting a ceasefire and its implementation on the ground.
Peace promotion, the role of the OSCE and European security also featured prominently in discussions with the Canadian foreign minister, Anita Anand, and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio.
Middle East
The situation in the Middle East was discussed during a meeting with the Israeli president, Isaac Herzog. Talks focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the implementation of the peace plan, and the importance of continuing Israeli–Palestinian dialogue with a view to achieving a two-state solution.
The charter of the ‘Board of Peace’, proposed by the US under the Gaza peace plan, was the subject of discussions with the Israeli president and the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa.
Mr Cassis also signed a memorandum of understanding with the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council establishing a consultation mechanism with a focus on common interests in security, energy and economic matters, as well as developments in the Middle East and North Africa.
European relations
In the European context, Mr Cassis held talks with the Swedish minister for European affairs, Jessica Rosencrantz, the Spanish minister for foreign affairs, José Manuel Albares, and European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
Discussions with Mr Šefčovič centred on the progress of efforts to ratify the Switzerland–EU package and the next steps towards signing the agreements for submission to the Swiss parliament. Trade issues in the current geopolitical context were also raised. In addition, Mr Cassis expressed his gratitude for the swift support provided by the EU and its member states following the tragedy in Crans-Montana.
Multilateral cooperation and international organisations
Mr Cassis also took part in the Geneva Day organised this year in Davos. He noted that international organisations are acutely aware of the need for reform in today's changing world. Multilateralism must adapt, prioritise and refocus on its primary tasks.
Mr Cassis also met with Alexander De Croo, the new head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reaffirming the close partnership between Switzerland and the UNDP. He underlined their shared priorities, including poverty reduction, strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law, and building crisis resilience. Mr Cassis was encouraged to learn that the UNDP will maintain and strengthen its presence in Geneva, which will also serve as the organisation's crisis hub, leveraging the expertise of the UN system based there.
Link
Stream of the press conference given by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis at the WEF
https://www.youtube.com/live/PtlJqvVP21k