Meeting at the Von Wattenwyl House in Bern on Tuesday for a working visit, Mr Cassis and Ms Meinl-Reisinger paid tribute to the close and diverse economic, cultural, consular and scientific relations between Switzerland and Austria. The two foreign ministers discussed cooperation in the field of transport and cross-border infrastructure projects in partnership with the business and academic communities.

Peace and security in Europe

Mr Cassis expressed Switzerland's willingness to position itself as a key, reliable partner in Europe in the areas of foreign policy and security architecture. He emphasised that during its chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2026, Switzerland will be committed to peace and security in Europe, and will work to preserve the OSCE's capacity for action and its inclusive character as a platform for dialogue for all states parties.

Switzerland and Austria are neutral states. During their conversation, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger discussed this topic in the current context.

European and broader international policy

Mr Cassis thanked Austria for its support during the negotiation phase of the package of agreements with the EU, in particular with regard to Switzerland's participation in European programmes, including Horizon Europe. The two countries' mutual support is also reflected in multilateral forums, notably the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the UN. For Federal Councillor Cassis and Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger, it is important that multilateral organisations define clear goals and implement them in a focused manner. Austria's bid for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council was also discussed, as was Switzerland's term on the council in 2023 and 2024.

A number of other current issues and international political matters were discussed, in particular the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Western Balkans and the Middle East conflict.

Working meeting between Ignazio Cassis and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger