Prime Minister Risch meets Chancellor Scholz in Berlin

Vaduz (ots) -

Prime Minister Daniel Risch was received by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Court of Honor of the Chancellery on Tuesday, May 17, during his inaugural visit to Germany. The working meeting focused on the Ukraine conflict and its political and economic implications for Europe and the world. The follow-up to the EU sanctions and their extension were also discussed. Furthermore, issues of energy security and independence as well as the cooling economic growth due to the aggravated economic situation were also discussed.

The development and implementation of sanctions is a dynamic process. The current draft of the 6th sanctions package of the EU provides for an import stop of Russian energy sources such as gas or coal to Europe. The developments pose great challenges for the German as well as the Liechtenstein industrial location. Prime Minister Risch emphasized in a press conference following the working meeting that they are working in close coordination with Germany, as the largest sales market in the EU, on pragmatic solutions to become independent of Russian energy imports as quickly as possible.

Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Risch also discussed current issues in the fight against money laundering and the challenges associated with global minimum taxation. Prime Minister Risch also informed the German delegation in the Chancellery about the Liechtenstein FAST initiative against human trafficking and modern slavery. Germany is showing leadership with its Supply Chain Act, which aims to ensure ESG standards in value chains. The Prime Minister also met with great interest with his remarks on the veto initiative introduced by Liechtenstein at the UN. Both Prime Ministers agreed that the major geopolitical upheavals - among other things as a result of Russia's current aggression - could only be faced with a united and strong Europe as well as a solid defense alliance.

Chancellor Scholz, who received the Prime Minister with military honors, emphasized in a press statement given afterwards that the partnership between the two countries, under the impression of the current, geopolitical situation, is very close and is supported by mutual trust.