German-speaking foreign ministers address joint appeal to Russia

Bern, 08.04.2022 - At the invitation of Liechtenstein's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the annual meeting of foreign ministers from the five German-speaking countries took place today in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Their discussions focused on the current situation in Ukraine and its geopolitical consequences, and the humanitarian crisis created by the Russian attack on Ukraine. The five German-speaking foreign ministers jointly appeal to Russia to immediately end all use of force in Ukraine and to withdraw its troops unconditionally.

President of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis today attended the meeting of foreign ministers from German-speaking countries in Vaduz at the invitation of Liechtenstein's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dominique Hasler, alongside counterparts Jean Asselborn from Luxembourg, Alexander Schallenberg from Austria and Annalena Baerbock from Germany. The annual meeting reflects the close relations enjoyed by the German-speaking neighbours and centres mainly on current political affairs.

Focus on war in Ukraine

The situation in Ukraine was at the centre of this year's discussions. Together with his counterparts, President Cassis made an appeal to Russia at the meeting. In this appeal, they call on Russia to immediately cease all hostilities in Ukraine, to withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine and they condemn the massive and systematic violations of international humanitarian law and in particular the attacks on civilians. "As part of the European community of values, we work side by side with our neighbours and the EU for stability, security and prosperity. It is in the interest of the entire continent that the conflict be resolved as soon as possible," said the head of the FDFA during the meeting. With the joint appeal, the five German-speaking countries underline their like-minded stance on the war in Ukraine.


The President of the Swiss Confederation also took the opportunity to underscore Switzerland's continued policy of neutrality. Switzerland's neutral status does not prevent it from standing up for its values in response to international developments. Russia's war of military aggression has countless far-reaching implications for the region, Europe and the world. In this regard, the German-speaking foreign ministers also discussed in detail the current humanitarian situation in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.

Finally, Mr Cassis informed his counterparts about the current status of the European dossier, namely the direction recently agreed upon by the Federal Council for a negotiating package with the EU. Taking a broad approach to Switzerland's overall relations with the EU, it will seek to address the unresolved institutional questions by sector.

Mr Cassis ended this year's meeting of foreign ministers with courtesy visits to H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein and Prime Minister Daniel Risch.


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