Foreign Minister in Geneva with a focus on Liechtenstein’s humanitarian tradition
Government councilor Dominique Hasler was on a working visit in Geneva on Friday, October 8th and took the opportunity to meet with ICRC President Peter Maurer, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, the ambassadors of Switzerland, Austria and Germany and the new , Deputy Secretary General of EFTA, Frank Büchel from Liechtenstein, to meet and exchange ideas. In addition, she discussed the priorities and strategic direction of Liechtenstein in Geneva with the Mission in Geneva for the coming years.
Geneva is one of the most important centers of multilateral diplomacy and worldwide organizations, including the second headquarters of the United Nations (UNO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA.)), And many more as well as numerous academic and scientific institutions and research centers. In Geneva, the permanent mission safeguards Liechtenstein’s interests vis-à-vis these organizations and maintains relations with them and with the diplomatic missions of other countries.
The diversity of topics in international relations in Geneva was the subject of various meetings held by Government Councilor Dominique Hasler. At the meeting with the ICRC President, Peter Maurer, both sides praised the excellent cooperation. Maurer thanked the ICRC for many years of support, which has traditionally been one of Liechtenstein’s most important humanitarian partners. Almost a third of Liechtenstein’s contributions to emergency and reconstruction aid projects are used in cooperation with the ICRC. The cooperation with the ICRC thus plays an important role in the implementation of Liechtenstein’s international solidarity, which was also presented in the recently presented government program 2021-2025.
With the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Government Councilor Hasler exchanged views on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for human rights, the current situation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Liechtenstein’s human rights commitment . The High Commissioner was pleased that Liechtenstein had decided to increase the voluntary contributions to the severely underfunded OHCHR for 2021.
In addition, Government Councilor Hasler met with the ambassadors of Switzerland, Austria and Germany as well as with the newly added General Secretary, Frank Büchel from Liechtenstein. In an interview with Liechtenstein’s permanent mission in Geneva, the strategic direction and objectives of Liechtenstein within the framework of the WTO, the EFTA and the UN Human Rights Council were discussed during the current legislative period.
Press contact:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sports
Permanent representation in Geneva
T +41 22 734 29 00
Original content from: Principality of Liechtenstein, transmitted by news aktuell
Original message: https://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100000148/100879042