Switzerland–US strategic partnership: FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel meets US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau for political consultations
Bern, 07.05.2026 — State Secretary Alexandre Fasel and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau held political consultations in Washington, DC, on 6 May 2026. Discussions focused on the current geopolitical situation, economic cooperation, innovation and future-oriented issues. The open and constructive exchange underscored the close bilateral relations between Switzerland and the US.
The meeting on 6 May 2026 marked the fourth strategic partnership dialogue between Switzerland and the US. This high-level dialogue format was established with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2022.
A key focus of the dialogue was the current geopolitical situation. The interlocutors exchanged views on the state of affairs in the Middle East, especially Iran, on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, on developments in the Western Balkans, and on the situation in Venezuela. In this context, both parties also acknowledged the importance of Switzerland's protecting power mandate for diplomatic relations between the US and Iran.
In addition, the delegations discussed investment and scientific collaboration, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. Other topics included research security, export controls and cooperation on sanctions.
The US is a key partner for Switzerland in the spheres of trade, taxation, science and culture. The two countries also have close ties in research and education. The strategic partnership dialogue serves to further strengthen their bilateral relations and cooperation within multilateral forums, particularly in grappling with global challenges. The Swiss delegations to this year's dialogue were headed by Mr Fasel and comprised various experts from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).