Swiss embassy in Paraguay to close
Bern, 12.08.2015 - At its meeting on 12 August 2015, the Federal Council decided for financial reasons to close the Swiss embassy in Paraguay. From 2016 the Swiss embassy in Buenos Aires and an honorary representation in Asunción will represent Switzerland's interests in Paraguay and together serve the needs of the Swiss community there.
The savings measures determined by the Federal Council on 11 February 2015 demand swift and substantial changes, requiring the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) to make significant savings both at head office and in its network of representations abroad. To meet its savings targets, the Federal Council has decided to close the Swiss embassy in Asunción in the course of the next few months.
This decision was taken on the basis of a recommendation made by the FDFA on 5 June 2015. Consultations were subsequently held with the Foreign Affairs Committees of the National Council and Council of States. The FDFA announced the outcome of this consultation at the Federal Council meeting today, 12 August 2015. The Federal Council intends to continue fostering bilateral relations and promoting dialogue with Paraguay.
In the future, the Swiss ambassador in Buenos Aires will also be accredited in Paraguay. Furthermore, an honorary consulate will open in Asunción to support relations locally. Consular services for Swiss citizens in Paraguay, who number just under 1,400, have been provided by the Swiss embassy in Buenos Aires since 2012.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Information
+41 58 462 31 53
info@eda.admin.ch
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
