Ignazio Cassis in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea: Switzerland strengthens its diplomatic presence
Bern, 31.10.2026 — Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis concluded his visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea on 31 October 2026. In Pyongyang, he officially reopened the Swiss diplomatic office and met with several senior North Korean officials to re-establish political dialogue. He then continued his talks in Seoul. This visit to both Koreas forms part of Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
During his visit to Pyongyang on 29 and 30 October, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis officially reopened the Swiss diplomatic office and met with the DPRK’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Choe Son Hui, and Jo Yong Won, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
This visit pursued three objectives: to re-establish a Swiss diplomatic presence in a new format, to normalise bilateral political relations, and to resume direct dialogue with the North Korean authorities. Discussions also focused on the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and broader security challenges in Eurasia.
Operational since 19 October and under the authority of the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, the Swiss diplomatic office gives Switzerland a permanent presence in Pyongyang once again. It will facilitate direct contacts with the North Korean authorities and enable Switzerland to monitor regional developments.
Switzerland has maintained diplomatic relations with the DPRK since 1974. Until 2019, the two countries held regular political consultations. Following several years of isolation, the DPRK’s gradual resumption of international contacts provides an opportunity to re-establish these exchanges.
Continued discussions in South Korea
Following his visit to Pyongyang, Ignazio Cassis travelled to Seoul on 30 and 31 October. There, he met with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeong Yeondoo. Discussions focused on security on the Korean Peninsula, prospects for easing regional tensions, and bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Republic of Korea.
By visiting both Koreas, Federal Councillor Cassis reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to maintaining dialogue in a region marked by regional tensions and differing positions. This approach is in keeping with the universalist tradition of Swiss foreign policy: talking to everyone and playing a constructive role where diplomatic contacts are difficult.
Switzerland: more than 70 years of engagement on the Korean Peninsula
Ignazio Cassis also met with Major General Burgener, head of the Swiss delegation to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC), to take stock of the security situation on the peninsula. Since 1953, Switzerland has been a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire and is based in Panmunjom, on the military demarcation line between the two Koreas.