Ignazio Cassis and Beat Jans meet with Algerian foreign minister, Ahmed Attaf
Bern, 02.04.2026 — On 2 April 2026, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, received the Algerian minister of state and foreign minister Ahmed Attaf, on an official working visit to Bern. Discussions focused on the revitalisation of cooperation between Switzerland and Algeria and on international matters. Federal Councillor Beat Jans also held talks with Mr Attaf, focusing on cooperation in the fields of migration, security and justice.
Mr Cassis received his Algerian counterpart at the Von Wattenwyl House for an exchange of views focusing on bilateral relations and the international geopolitical situation. The two ministers discussed in detail the means and the need to revitalise bilateral cooperation, particularly in key areas such as trade and investment. This follows a period of more reserved relations between Switzerland and Algeria. The talks also addressed developments in North Africa, the Sahel and the Middle East, against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions.This visit by the Algerian minister of state forms part of the long-standing relations between Switzerland and Algeria. The good offices offered by Switzerland played a significant role in the process of negotiating the Évian Accords, which paved the way towards Algeria's independence in 1962. It was also in Bern that several key figures in the Algerian struggle for independence held their first secret meetings in the summer of 1954.
Strengthening cooperation in the fields of migration, policing and justice
The head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), Beat Jans, also received Mr Attaf at the Bernerhof. Both highlighted the strengthening of cooperation on migration since Mr Jans' visit to Algiers on 30 June 2025, when a declaration of intent was signed, enabling the establishment of a structured dialogue on migration issues and the launch of projects for the good governance of migration and the protection of refugees. At their meeting today, Mr Jans also praised the constructive collaboration between the two countries on matters relating to readmissions.
Police cooperation between Switzerland and Algeria is also key. Mr Jans and Mr Attaf welcomed the signing of the declaration of intent in 2025, which has helped to increase the exchange of information and police cooperation.
Furthermore, Mr Attaf also commended Switzerland for its cooperation in the field of mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. In this regard, Mr Jans reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to returning assets of proven illegal origin.
Courtesy call
In addition to his talks with the two federal councillors, Mr Attaf paid a courtesy call on the president of the National Council, Pierre-André Page. On this occasion, they discussed the development of parliamentary relations between the two countries.