Bilateral relations

Through bilateral cooperation, public health matters can be handled at transnational level. Depending on the needs, the cooperation can take different forms, which may be more or less institutionalized.

Signature of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Areas of Foodstuff, Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Between the Swiss Federal Council and the Government of the People's Republic of China by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration Minister Zhang Yong and the Swiss federal Councillor Alain Berset, Davos (CH), 21st of January 2015

The bilateral cooperation enables Switzerland and its partners States to further engage on specific themes and to share good practices both at political and technical levels. Health crisis management, reforms of the health system, health workforce migration or cross-border cooperation are examples of topics that are addressed in this context. Regarding transnational issues, cooperation often takes place at cantonal level.

Examples of cooperation

• The framework agreement with France in the field of cross-border healthcare cooperation, (see webpage “Cooperation with neighbouring states”);
  
  
• The Agreement on Cooperation with China, see document linked below;
  
  
• Various cooperation agreements signed with the Principality of Liechtenstein in the field of biocide products, radioprotection and the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR);
  
  
• Regular visits to Switzerland of foreign delegations interested in the Swiss health system and specific topics.

Documents

Agreement on Cooperation in the Areas of Foodstuff, Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Cosmetics between the Swiss Federal Council and the Government of the People’s Republic of China. (PDF, 169 kB, 09.11.2016)

---

Declaration of Intent between FOPH and Iran (PDF, 72 kB, 12.07.2018)

Last modification 19.07.2018