Discussions with the Liechtenstein delegation focused on current bilateral matters and issues relating to neighbouring border countries. The delegations also met with State Secretary Robert Balzaretti to discuss key aspects of current European and EFTA policy and the countries’ approaches to Brexit.

​The parliamentary delegation from the Principality of Liechtenstein, headed by Landtag president Albert Frick, was received by the Del-FL at the Parliament Building on Wednesday. The two official delegations, which are responsible for maintaining parliamentary relations between their countries, discussed cooperation in healthcare and in transport, and major forthcoming projects to be debated in their respective parliaments.

During talks with State Secretary Roberto Balzaretti, Director of the Directorate for European Affairs at the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the delegations discussed the current challenges faced by both countries in their relations with the EU, their joint free trade policy as EFTA members, and the United Kingdom’s planned departure from the EU.

The programme on the following day was dedicated to the topic of research and innovation. The delegations travelled together to Neuchâtel to visit the Swiss Center for Electonics and Microtechnology (CSEM) where they also discussed Switzerland’s and Liechtenstein’s research and innovation promotion policy with the CSEM management and with the director of Innosuisse. The programme in Neuchâtel was rounded off by lunch with Cantonal Councillor Monika Maire-Hefti.

The close and amicable relations between Liechtenstein and Switzerland are founded on a series of over 100 agreements. Diplomatic relations are actively maintained with frequent visits at all levels. The aim of the visit was to further strengthen relations between the two countries and to learn more about how the respective parliaments are dealing with current challenges.

The Del-FL was headed by National Council member Walter Müller (FDP, SG). Thomas Ammann (CVP, SG), Heinz Brand (SVP, GR), Toni Brunner (SVP, SG), Roland Rino Büchel (SVP, SG) and Claudia Friedl (SP, SG), all members of the National Council, also took part.

The Liechtenstein parliamentary delegation comprised Landtag president Albert Frick (FBP) and Landtag members Gunilla Marxer-Kranz (VU), Daniel Oehry (group spokesperson, FBP), Günter Vogt (group spokesperson, VU), Jürgen Beck (DU) and Georg Kaufmann (group spokesperson, FL).