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Bilateral relations

Bilateral relations

The Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Geneva is a consequence of Liechtenstein’s accession to the Convention establishing the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on 1 September 1991. This accession led to the establishment of a Permanent Delegation to EFTA in Geneva.

On 1 October 1992, the Liechtenstein ambassador was then accredited to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), elevating the status of Liechtenstein’s representation in Geneva to a Permanent Mission.

Finally, Liechtenstein joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 1 September 1995; since then, the Liechtenstein ambassador has also represented Liechtenstein’s interests in this organization.

Over the years, the following ambassadors have been accredited in Geneva:

  • Dr. Andrea Willi (1991-1993)
  • Norbert Frick, Chargé d’affaires a.i. (1994-1995, residing in Berne)
  • H.S.H. Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein (1995-1996, residing in Berne)
  • Roland Marxer, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs (1996-1998, residing in Vaduz)
  • Norbert Frick (1998-2014)
  • Dr. Peter C. Matt (2014-2021)
  • Kurt Jäger (2021-August 2024)
  • Frank Büchel (September 2024-present)

The Mission represents Liechtenstein vis-à-vis the following international organizations and specialized agencies and organs of the UN in Geneva:

1. International organizations

2. Specialized agencies of the UN headquartered in Geneva

3. Specialized organs of the UN headquartered in Geneva

4. Important branch offices of UN organizations in Geneva

Customs Treaty with Switzerland

The Customs Treaty with Switzerland of 29 March 1923 laid the cornerstone for a new era in the economic development of Liechtenstein, which owes a significant share of its success to the ever closer cooperation with Switzerland.

The provisions of the Customs Treaty stipulate that all Swiss laws pertaining to customs are also applicable to Liechtenstein, as well as other Federal legislation necessary for the implementation of the customs-free zone. Provisions of Swiss Federal law which establish Federal contribution requirements are exempt from this rule. In addition, all trade and customs treaties concluded by Switzerland with third States also apply to Liechtenstein on the basis of the Customs Treaty. Switzerland is authorized to simultaneously represent Liechtenstein in such negotiations and to conclude these treaties with effect in Liechtenstein.

In 1991 and 1995, the Customs Treaty, which is limited in principle to the movement of goods, was modified to take into account changing needs. Liechtenstein may accordingly become itself a State Party to an international agreement or a member of an international organization within the scope of the Customs Treaty, whether or not Switzerland also belongs to the agreement or organization. If Switzerland does not join the agreement or organization, Liechtenstein and Switzerland conclude a special agreement, as was necessary in 1994, for example, in preparation for the accession of Liechtenstein to the European Economic Area (EEA).

In addition to the international legal effect of the Customs Treaty, it also has symbolic importance for the particularly close relations between Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The Treaty created the foundation for a harmonization of legal provisions in the areas of social and economic law, far beyond its scope of application. This close linkage is now manifested in a multitude of treaties and other agreements, in particular in the areas of social welfare, vocational and professional training, indirect taxes, and transnational police cooperation.

Link Website: https://www.llv.li/en/national-administration/diplomatic-representations/geneva-ch-/bilateral-relations