Swiss president tells APES, constant talks needed to keep trade going
by Peter Kenny
Switzerland is not a member of any political or trade alliance, so it is crucial for it to negotiate agreements with its partners and the EU, the president of the Confederation told APES (the Foreign Press Association in Switzerland and Liechtenstein) journalists.
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter, who held the rotating presidency for 2025, stated at the annual APES press conference and luncheon in Bern on November 3 that Switzerland is striving to expand into new global markets.
Photos of the Presidential Luncheon on 3.11.2025 in Hotel Schweizerhof in Bern
She heard concerns from the association about the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) seeking to cut ties with foreign press journalists.
“This year we have signed new agreements with Thailand, Kosovo, Malaysia and Mercosur, while the agreement with Ukraine has been modernised,” said Keller-Sutter, noting that an agreement with India had been in force since October.
”Other existing free trade agreements are currently being updated, not least with China, the UK, Mexico and the Southern African Customs Union.”
APES President Jean Musy informed the annual gathering that the FDFA ’ Communications Service was from the end of 2025 preparing to discontinue the accreditation card it issued to members of the foreign press in Switzerland. “This is a decision that immediately threatens 30 percent of the professional journalists in our association,” he noted.
This relates to the Accreditation of Representatives of foreign media, dating back to 1992, following decades of efforts to achieve it.
“Yet, it has a legal obligation to consult the association,” said Musy, citing the relevant articles that state, “The FDFA consults the APES committee before making any amendments to these regulations.”
Musy said, “It has never done this.”
Photos from the APES press conference with the Swiss President in Bern on 3.11.25