During the 1950s-60s, Max Petitpierre, in his capacity as Federal Councillor, shaped Switzerland's new foreign policy. He is known for his three maxims of "solidarity", "universality", and "availability".

The principle of "universality" consisted of showing total diplomatic openness. Indeed, Switzerland committed to not excluding any diplomatic actor for ideological reasons. For example, it can be recalled that Switzerland was a pioneer in recognizing new countries resulting from decolonization or communist countries such as the People's Republic of China. Thus, the Swiss government ensured an important place in global diplomacy and commerce.

The principle of "solidarity", dear to Petitpierre, revolved around humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and international cooperation. These charitable works developed on both financial and human grounds. At the beginning of the 1950s, for example, Max Petitpierre directed "solidarity" towards European countries ravaged by the Second World War, thanks in particular to the "Swiss donation for war victims", which benefited 18 European countries, including Germany.

The objective of "availability" was to multiply "good offices". These took the form of diplomatic services such as hosting conferences, mediations, or the establishment of international organizations on Swiss soil. Countries in conflict could then take advantage of Switzerland's neutrality, comfort, and discretion to resolve their disputes. This was the case, for example, for France and the Provisional Government of the Republic of Algeria between 1960 and 1962.