On Wednesday, 3 April, President Ueli Maurer will receive His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein – who performs the duties of head of state – his spouse, Her Royal Highness Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, and a high-ranking delegation.

The full Federal Council will be in attendance in the afternoon to greet the delegation from Liechtenstein on Münsterplatz in Bern. The official talks will be attended by President Ueli Maurer along with federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Karin Keller-Sutter. The delegation from Liechtenstein also includes Prime Minister Adrian Hasler and Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Risch.

As is tradition, a gala dinner will be held on the evening of the first day. President Maurer and the princely couple will spend the second day of the state visit in western Switzerland with events focused on the theme of research and innovation.

Jubilee year for bilateral relations

2019 is not only a jubilee year for Liechtenstein, but also for bilateral relations with Switzerland. 100 years ago Liechtenstein opened a legation in Bern. Switzerland has also been safeguarding the interests of Liechtenstein and its citizens in all countries in which it does not have its own representation since 1919. As a result of this century-long cooperation the two countries traditionally enjoy close friendly ties.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein enjoy a rich network of over 100 bilateral agreements, including the customs treaty of 1923, incorporating Liechtenstein into the Swiss customs area. The two economies are therefore closely linked, with over 9,000 cross border workers commuting regularly from Switzerland to Liechtenstein. The two countries also work together closely and efficiently at international level, particularly within the framework of EFTA, the UN and the International Criminal Court.

Prince Franz Josef II, the grandfather of the Hereditary Prince, paid a state visit to Switzerland in 1970; Prince Hans-Adam II did so in 1990.

Federal Council receives Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein for state visit