Latest news with #SwissEmbassy
Telegraph
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Switzerland warns of Iran threat as diplomats' deaths re-examined
Switzerland's intelligence service has warned that Iranian espionage poses a growing threat to Swiss diplomats in Tehran. The warning comes after an investigation re-examined the mysterious deaths of embassy staff and a tourist in the Islamic Republic. The Federal Intelligence Service listed Iran alongside Russia, China and North Korea as states that had intensified intelligence activity against Switzerland. It said Switzerland's role representing US interests in Tehran 'increases the visibility of Swiss personnel to hostile service'. The warning followed an investigation by the Swiss broadcasters SRF and RTS that examined four deaths in Iran – a diplomat's fall from a balcony, a military attaché's sudden illness, a local employee of the Swiss embassy who was stabbed and shot in the hand while walking to work, and a Swiss tourist's alleged suicide in prison. Sylvie Brunner, a diplomat, fell from the 17th floor of her Tehran flat in May 2021. Iranian authorities ruled it suicide, citing mental-health problems. But in the investigation by SRF and RTS, a man who identified himself as a former officer in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) alleged that the diplomat was pushed after a surveillance operation went awry. Initial Iranian emergency responder statements about insufficient evidence for suicide were later retracted, and the official responsible was removed. Ms Brunner's brother said Iranian security agents had visited her apartment before her death, deliberately leaving boot prints. A suicide note was found, but was unsigned. Her body was returned without major organs, preventing comprehensive toxicology tests. A Swiss pathologist said suicide was 'plausible' but could not exclude involvement of others. In 2023, a Swiss military attaché suddenly fell ill in Tehran and was transferred to Switzerland in a coma before dying in hospital. The investigation revealed he was actually a covert intelligence officer. Experts suggested he may have been identified and poisoned during operations in Iran. A former Iranian intelligence officer told a Swiss broadcaster: 'My colleagues in the IRGC intelligence unit openly talked about the death of the Swiss female diplomat. They said it was an operation by IRGC intelligence that resulted in murder – a spy mission that went wrong.' In another incident around the embassy, a local employee was stabbed and shot in the hand while walking to work. Tehran police blamed a robbery, an explanation Swiss analysts say is rare in the heavily policed capital. In a fourth case, a Swiss tourist in his 60s was arrested for espionage earlier this year after allegedly photographing a military site and collecting soil samples. Iranian authorities announced two months later he had committed suicide in Semnan prison. Swiss officials were denied access during his detention. After his body was returned, an autopsy was performed but results have not been released. An Iranian judiciary spokesman said the Swiss embassy staff had 'confirmed' their citizen's suicide in prison. Increased risks due to regional conflict Swiss officials now consider the cases linked. A Swiss security source cited IRGC 'paranoia', saying Iran viewed the Swiss embassy as a CIA infiltration point. Since 1980, Switzerland has represented US interests in Iran, handling consular affairs and passing messages between Washington and Tehran. The role makes Swiss diplomats prime surveillance targets, former intelligence officials said. The intelligence service warned that regional conflict had increased risks of 'direct pressure' on Swiss personnel abroad. Switzerland's foreign ministry said it 'continues to seek full clarity' but lacks investigative authority in Iran. The attorney general closed its criminal probe into Ms Brunner's death in November due to lack of evidence. Opposition lawmakers said they would raise the deaths at parliament's next foreign affairs committee meeting. No date has been provided for the meeting.
LBCI
20-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Switzerland temporarily closes its embassy in Iran
Switzerland announced Friday the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran, adding that it would continue to fulfil its role representing U.S. interests in Iran. "In view of the intensity of military operations in Iran and the highly unstable situation on the ground, the FDFA has decided to temporarily close the Swiss embassy in Tehran," the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. AFP
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Swiss innovation, green tech, and art shine at Oman Sustainability Week 2025
Muscat: The Swiss Embassy in Oman is proud to host a pavilion at the Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2025 Exhibition, taking place from 12 to 14 May at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Seventeen Swiss companies from diverse sectors - including renewable energy technology, sustainable infrastructure, construction, environmental technology, carbon storage, sustainable financing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence - are represented at the pavilion. Notable participants include ABB, AIK Technik, Arva Greentech, Burckhardt Compression, Dreamlab Technologies, Edmond de Rothschild, Georg Fischer Corys, ReadyMix Holcim, Kanadevia Inova, Landis + Gyr, LGT, Macun, MAN Energy Solutions Switzerland, Reichle & De-Massari, SGS, Swiss AI and Synhelion. A delegation will also travel to Muscat for the OSW 2025, comprising the Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for the Agenda 2030 and representatives from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Swissmem (the Swiss association for mechanical and electrical engineering industries), the Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV), the Swiss Business Hub Middle East, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), and the Oman Switzerland Friendship Association (OSFA). The Delegate for the Agenda 2030 and several company representatives will participate in the International Sustainability Resources & Technology Conference (ISRTC) and the OSW and OPES Talks, sharing insights into their vision and innovative solutions. Additionally, a workshop will be held between the Swiss Delegate for the Agenda 2030 and the Directorate of Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Economy focusing on strategies to achieve the national targets of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). In celebration of the Oman Sustainability Week, the Swiss Embassy is also unveiling a new mural at SOHAR Port and Freezone by the renowned Swiss artist duo Nevercrew. The artwork, portraying a fragile glass whale sheltering a miniature marine environment, reflects the delicate balance between human activity and nature. Through imagery tied to water and green hydrogen, the mural also points to the vital role of alternative energy in creating a sustainable tomorrow and serves as a powerful visual reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment. H.E. Dr. Thomas Oertle, Ambassador of Switzerland to Oman, remarked: 'The Swiss pavilion will likely be one of the most buzzing places at OSW with many state-of-the-art solutions being presented to advance the sustainability agenda. Switzerland – ranked consistently for the past 15 years as the world's most innovative country – reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration and exchange between the two like-minded nations, Oman and Switzerland.' © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Key platform launched to empower Swiss-Jordanian alumni network
The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan officially launches the Swiss Key platform during an alumni gathering held at the residence of H.E. Ambassador Emilija Georgieva on Wednesday evening, in a move designed to strengthen ties between Jordan and Switzerland through the growing Swiss-Jordanian Alumni Network (Photo Courtesy of Swiss Embassy) AMMAN — The Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan officially launched the Swiss Key platform during an alumni gathering held at the residence of H.E. Ambassador Emilija Georgieva on Wednesday evening, in a move designed to strengthen ties between Jordan and Switzerland through the growing Swiss-Jordanian Alumni Network. The event brought together Jordanian graduates of Swiss institutions to celebrate a shared legacy of academic excellence and to introduce a digital platform aimed at enhancing connectivity, cooperation and professional growth. 'This is not just an administrative act,' Ambassador Georgieva said in her opening remarks. 'It is also a declaration that Swiss-Jordanian cooperation is alive, dynamic and growing from the ground up. We believe in people to people connections as much as in government to government relations, and that networking isn't just about exchanging business cards , it's about exchanging ideas, dreams and solutions.' The Swiss-Jordanian Alumni Network, facilitated by the embassy, acts as a bridge between the two countries. It connects alumni who once called Switzerland home during their university years, and now serve as ambassadors of shared values and aspirations. The network promotes cultural exchange, professional collaboration and long-term partnerships. A modified online platform developed for and by alumni of Swiss universities, designed to promote a successful virtual community, Swiss Key allows members to create personal profiles and reconnect with member graduates across generations and disciplines. It encourages meaningful engagement and helps alumni maintain lasting relationships regardless of where they are in the world. In addition to development connections, the platform offers access to a wide range of alumni-shared benefits, including exclusive services, products and professional expertise. It also features a dedicated space for job postings, internships and collaborative ventures, supporting career development and entrepreneurial opportunities. Furthermore, the integrated events calendar ensures that members stay informed about upcoming workshops, gatherings and networking activities within the community. 'Swiss Key will provide you with the opportunity to blend professionalism with belonging,' said Majeda Dakkak, a founding member of the network. 'Whether you're a recent graduate looking for a mentor, a professional seeking to give back, or a business owner offering alumni incentives, Swiss Key combines it all under one platform.' Ambassador Georgieva added that the initiative represents a deeper commitment to innovation and connectivity, 'linking businesses to the right people quickly and effectively' and fostering 'a wide range of Swiss-trained talents and experts ready to offer advice, market insights and exclusive benefits to each other.' The launch event marked a highlight for Swiss-Jordanian educational and cultural cooperation, underscoring the importance of alumni engagement in shaping future bilateral relations. The Swiss Key platform is now live and accessible to all Jordanian graduates of Swiss higher education institutions, who are invited to join and contribute to this dynamic and evolving community.
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Swiss innovation, green tech, and art shine at Oman Sustainability Week 2025
Muscat: The Swiss Embassy in Oman is proud to host a pavilion at the Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2025 Exhibition, taking place from 12 to 14 May at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Seventeen Swiss companies from diverse sectors - including renewable energy technology, sustainable infrastructure, construction, environmental technology, carbon storage, sustainable financing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence - are represented at the pavilion. Notable participants include ABB, AIK Technik, Arva Greentech, Burckhardt Compression, Dreamlab Technologies, Edmond de Rothschild, Georg Fischer Corys, ReadyMix Holcim, Kanadevia Inova, Landis + Gyr, LGT, Macun, MAN Energy Solutions Switzerland, Reichle & De-Massari, SGS, Swiss AI and Synhelion. A delegation will also travel to Muscat for the OSW 2025, comprising the Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for the Agenda 2030 and representatives from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Swissmem (the Swiss association for mechanical and electrical engineering industries), the Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV), the Swiss Business Hub Middle East, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), and the Oman Switzerland Friendship Association (OSFA). The Delegate for the Agenda 2030 and several company representatives will participate in the International Sustainability Resources & Technology Conference (ISRTC) and the OSW and OPES Talks, sharing insights into their vision and innovative solutions. Additionally, a workshop will be held between the Swiss Delegate for the Agenda 2030 and the Directorate of Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Economy focusing on strategies to achieve the national targets of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). In celebration of the Oman Sustainability Week, the Swiss Embassy is also unveiling a new mural at SOHAR Port and Freezone by the renowned Swiss artist duo Nevercrew. The artwork, portraying a fragile glass whale sheltering a miniature marine environment, reflects the delicate balance between human activity and nature. Through imagery tied to water and green hydrogen, the mural also points to the vital role of alternative energy in creating a sustainable tomorrow and serves as a powerful visual reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the environment. H.E. Dr. Thomas Oertle, Ambassador of Switzerland to Oman, remarked: 'The Swiss pavilion will likely be one of the most buzzing places at OSW with many state-of-the-art solutions being presented to advance the sustainability agenda. Switzerland – ranked consistently for the past 15 years as the world's most innovative country – reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration and exchange between the two like-minded nations, Oman and Switzerland.'
