Switzerland - Germany German Foreign Minister pledges solidarity in US customs dispute
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has assured Switzerland of his country's solidarity in the customs dispute with the USA. Following a meeting with his counterpart Ignazio Cassis in Bern, he also welcomed the ongoing revision of the War Material Act.
14.11.2025, 14:52
14.11.2025, 14:54
SDA
At a joint media conference with Cassis in Berlin on Friday afternoon, Wadephul said that Germany and the European Union were on Switzerland's side on the customs issue. In principle, the EU agreed that there should be no trade barriers.
Cassis himself was cautious following talks with his counterpart Guy Parmelin in Washington on Thursday. Parmelin stated that the second round was over. The first round had failed after successes at a technical level.
Johann Wadephul assessed Switzerland's security cooperation and its rapprochement with the NATO defense alliance as positive. Europe must move closer together. He also commented approvingly on Switzerland's support for the EU sanctions against Russia. The pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin must not let up, he said.
Applause for new war material law
In connection with the war in Ukraine, Wadephul expressly welcomed the ongoing revision of the War Material Act in Switzerland. The German Foreign Minister sees advantages for the attacked Ukraine.
The National Council's Security Policy Committee (SIK-N) wants to allow the transfer of weapons from Switzerland to third countries. It also wants to allow the export of war material to armed conflict states in extraordinary situations.
With regard to Switzerland's treaty package with the EU, Wadephul explained that this serves the interests of both sides. After all, Germany, the EU and Switzerland were standing on common European foundations.
Commenting on the timetable, Cassis said that the treaty should be ready for parliamentary discussion in March. In the end, the people would have to decide. This would be a slow but important process.
Call for de-escalation in Latin America
In view of the situation in Latin America with the US operations against drug smuggling, both ministers spoke out in favor of dialogue and de-escalation. Wadephul described an operation against drug-related crime as justified. Cassis explained that nobody was interested in an additional war.
In the Gaza Strip, the ceasefire must be consolidated and the disarmament of the Islamist Hamas must be implemented. Both foreign ministers backed the US plan.
In addition to the talks with his counterpart Wadephul, Cassis also discussed international development cooperation issues with Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan during his visit to Berlin.
