Swiss diplomacy and international relations

Switzerland has strong political and economic ties with the rest of the world and is member of various international organisations. In 1960, Switzerland was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA); in 1963, it joined the European Council and in 1975, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Switzerland is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Switzerland joined the Bretton Woods Organisations in 1992. In 2002, Switzerland became the 190th member of the United Nations following a nation-wide vote on the issue; prior to this, Switzerland had played an active role in various UN bodies. Switzerland has signed bilateral agreements with the European Union on various economic issues, with further accords under discussion.
An internationally recognised neutral nation since the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Switzerland cannot take part in armed conflict abroad. In the event of a catastrophe, crisis or conflict abroad the Swiss Humanitarian Aid unit provides assistance to civilian victims.
Switzerland's neutrality and humanitarian tradition form the foundations for its foreign policy. It maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as an intermediary and host to major international treaty conferences. The country has no major dispute in its bilateral relations.
FOREIGN POLICY GOALS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE OF PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS: Switzerland wants to play an active role in the prevention of violent conflict. This includes the establishment of the rule of law, support for democratic norms and promotion of dialogue in conflict.
RESPECT FOR AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: Respect for human rights is of utmost importance to Switzerland. It has long been an active campaigner for the cause of human rights.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: Switzerland is internationally active in further developing an international environment system. This includes agreements in the fields of climate, biological diversity, chemicals and protection of water and forests.
REPRESENTING THE INTEREST OF SWISS BUSINESSES ABROAD: The Swiss government wants to provide the best possible framework conditions for Swiss businesses. Measures include export promotion, support for research and training in Switzerland as well as the signing of multi and bilateral agreements with other states.
FIGHTING NEED AND POVERTY IN THE WORLD: Switzerland is placing the fight against poverty in the centre of its development aid policy. It is continually increasing its financial assistance in this field.
At the centre of its development aid policy is promoting employment and incomes, good governance, development of the private sector, sustainable development of natural resources, integration into the global trade system, relieving the debt burden, bridging the social gap, crisis prevention and crisis management.
These objectives are manifested through Swiss bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activity and reflect the Swiss moral obligation to undertake social, economic and humanitarian activities that contribute to world peace and prosperity.