Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum
Bern, 16.04.2026 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will take part in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, to be held from 17 to 19 April 2026. This occasion will allow him to discuss the conflict in the Middle East with his counterparts in the region. He will also hold a series of talks in his capacity as Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
The 5th edition of the forum, whose theme is Mapping tomorrow, managing uncertainties, will bring together political decision-makers and representatives from academia, the media and civil society to discuss the necessity of anticipating and dealing with emerging crises. As a member of the panel Contemplating Multilateralism Amid Systemic Transition, Mr Cassis will stress the importance of taking account of current changes in the international order in order to revitalise the multilateral system. He will also highlight Switzerland's tradition of facilitation and mediation, embodied in particular by International Geneva, a major hub of multilateralism and innovation.
In addition, Mr Cassis will meet with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi as well as EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi di Maio to discuss the conflict in the Middle East. In his capacity as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Mr Cassis will also hold talks with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu. These discussions will focus in particular on the war in Ukraine and its consequences for security and stability in Europe.