Switzerland receives Liechtenstein's new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture on her first official visit abroad
Bern, 28.11.2019 - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, received Liechtenstein's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justice and Culture Katrin Eggenberger in Bern on Thursday during her official working visit. The two foreign ministers discussed a number of topics, including this year's centenary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. They also exchanged views on EU relations and on various current international issues.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have a particularly close and intensive relationship. This visit to Switzerland by Liechtenstein's new foreign minister is her first official visit abroad since being elected and testifies to the strong bond of friendship between the two countries. Moreover, it is consistent with Switzerland's foreign policy strategy, which seeks to preserve and promote good relations with neighbouring states.
This year the two countries are celebrating the centenary of their bilateral relationship, with more than 100 agreements forming the basis for their common economic and monetary area, among other things. At their meeting at the Von Wattenwyl House, Mr Cassis and Ms Eggenberger discussed consular cooperation and Switzerland's representation of Liechtenstein's diplomatic and consular interests, in place since 1919.
The talks also covered the EU policy of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and various current developments in Europe, particularly with regard to Brexit. The Principality of Liechtenstein forms part of the Swiss economic and monetary area and has been a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) for almost 25 years.
On the international scene, Mr Cassis and his counterpart welcomed the close cooperation between Switzerland and Liechtenstein in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the United Nations, where both countries are committed to a strong and effective multilateral system.
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