10/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2025 15:26
On 9 October 2025, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, met with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel for official talks in Lisbon. The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the close and strong ties between Switzerland and Portugal, which are strengthened in particular by the large Portuguese community living in Switzerland. Current geopolitical issues were also discussed.
Relations between Switzerland and Portugal are based on strong traditional ties. The Portuguese community in Switzerland - comprising around 225,000 people, the third-largest community of foreign nationals - contributes in no small part to these close ties.
Mr Cassis and Mr Rangel exchanged on current geopolitical issues, particularly concerning the Middle East. They welcomed the implementation of the first phase of the US President's peace process. They also discussed the situation in Ukraine and their respective commitments to the country's reconstruction. In this context, Mr Cassis informed his counterpart about Switzerland's preparations for its chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026. In taking on this role, Switzerland will shoulder its share of responsibility for contributing to stability and security in Europe.
Cooperation in science and on relations with the EU
Economic relations between the two countries are developing positively. Renewable energies and the IT sector were mentioned as areas ripe for more intensive exchange. Mr Rangel emphasised the importance of closer cooperation with Switzerland in research and innovation. An integral part of this mutually beneficial scientific cooperation also takes place within the framework of EU programmes and is set to be further strengthened with Switzerland's planned affiliation to programmes such as Horizon Europe.
European affairs were also discussed. Mr Cassis briefed his counterpart on the latest developments in Swiss-EU relations and the next steps for the package.
Community of Portuguese Language Countries
During his visit to Lisbon, Mr Cassis also met with the executive secretary of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Ambassador Maria de Fátima Monteiro Jardim. On this occasion, he presented an official letter submitting Switzerland's application for associate observer status with the organisation. This move is motivated by Switzerland's close ties with the CPLP member states and by the fact that Portuguese is now the second most widely-spoken foreign language in Switzerland.
Bilateral relations Switzerland-Portugal
Address for enquiries:
FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 [email protected]