State Secretary for Security Policy in London for security policy dialogue
Bern, 05.02.2026 — Talks between the Swiss and UK defence ministries will take place in London on 6 February. Markus Mäder, State Secretary for Security Policy, will head the Swiss delegation. The purpose of this dialogue is to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security policy. The discussions will focus on current developments in Europe and transatlantic relations.
As a like-minded European country, the United Kingdom is an important dialogue partner for Switzerland in the area of security policy. The talks will be led on the Swiss side by State Secretary Mäder, accompanied by representatives from the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS). Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, will head the UK delegation.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation with the United Kingdom
The security policy talks will focus on bilateral cooperation and multilateral bodies such as the EU, NATO and the OSCE. Discussions will also cover security policy strategies and their implementation, in particular measures to enhance defence capabilities. Other topics will include combating influence activities and new security-related technologies.
In addition, State Secretary Mäder will meet with Jonathan Powell, National Security Advisor, and with representatives of UK think tanks.