Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis to visit Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bern, 17.02.2026 — Building on its close relations with the Western Balkans and commitment to European security and stability, Switzerland is pursuing its political dialogue in the region: from 18 to 20 February, the head of the FDFA, Ignazio Cassis, will travel to Slovenia and then to Bosnia and Herzegovina for an official visit. Talks will focus on bilateral cooperation, European security, cultural diversity, and dialogue as factors for social cohesion and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The visit also takes place within the framework of Switzerland's role within the OSCE, that the head of the FDFA is chairing in 2026.
In Slovenia: bilateral cooperation and Romansh Language Week
On 19 February in Ljubljana, Mr Cassis will meet with the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development, Aleksander Jevšek. The talks will focus on bilateral cooperation between Switzerland and Slovenia – particularly in the trade and multilateral spheres – on the Swiss-Slovenian cooperation programme for the second Swiss contribution, and on relations between Switzerland and the European Union. Further topics will include the stability of the Western Balkans, the European security architecture, and the two countries' shared commitment to peace and security in Ukraine and the Middle East.
During his visit, Mr Cassis will also attend an event organised in cooperation with the local authorities in the village of Štanjel as part of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha). This public exchange will highlight Switzerland and Slovenia's commitment to protecting cultural and linguistic plurality and diversity. The presence in the delegation of Jon Domenic Parolini, a member of Graubünden's cantonal council, will also make it possible to share Switzerland's experience of managing linguistic and cultural plurality at cantonal level.
Swiss cooperation and the role of the OSCE in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mr Cassis will travel to the Western Balkans on 20 February 2026 for a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In Sarajevo, he will meet the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Foreign Minister Elmedin Konaković. The talks will focus on the two countries' bilateral relations, Switzerland's cooperation programmes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the political context in the country and the surrounding region, the functioning of state-level institutions, and reform priorities.
Mr Cassis is also travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in his capacity as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. In this context, he will visit the OSCE mission in the country and meet with the Central Electoral Commission to discuss election integrity and the OSCE's support for democratic processes, including through election observation.
In addition to the official meetings, Mr Cassis will participate in an exchange with mayors from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska, as well as representatives of the business community.