Historical background
When the Principality of Liechtenstein was still a member of the German Confederation, but especially after the dissolution of the Confederation in 1866, it heavily oriented itself politically and especially economically toward Austria, with which it had concluded a customs and taxation treaty in 1852. As a consequence of the political and economic upheavals at the end of the First World War, Liechtenstein turned towards Switzerland, with which it has since maintained very close ties. Yet also bilateral relations with Austria, its second immediate neighbor, are excellent and diverse.
Bilateral relations of the Principality of Liechtenstein with other States
Bilateral agendas are administered by the Office for Foreign Affairs in the capital – the “head quarters” of Liechtenstein foreign policy – and by the diplomatic representations of Liechtenstein abroad (embassies in Bern, Brussels, Vienna, Washington and Berlin, non-resident embassy to the Holy See). Some bilateral affairs are also handled by the Permanent Representations and Missions of the Principality of Liechtenstein abroad (to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the United Nations in New York, the United Nations and other international organizations (WTO, EFTA) in Geneva, the European Union in Brussels, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the United Nations in Vienna). According to article 3 of the Law of 7 August 1952 on the Establishment and Maintenance of Representations of the Principality of Liechtenstein Abroad or to Foreign Governments  , representatives of the Principality of Liechtenstein abroad are appointed by the Reigning Prince on recommendation of the Government. Additionally, within the scope of an accord concluded in 1919, Switzerland assumes the representation of Liechtenstein interests at the diplomatic and consular level in countries where it maintains a representation and Liechtenstein does not. In such cases, Switzerland acts pursuant to general or specific requests, which it may accept or reject, while Liechtenstein reserves the right to conduct relations with these States directly or to establish its own diplomatic representations.
In June 2004, the Liechtenstein government took the fundamental decision to establish honorary consulates, to allow the possibility of multiple accreditation of Liechtenstein diplomatic representatives and the appointment of special ambassadors and travelling ambassadors. Subsequently, two honorary consulates in Germany, in Frankfurt and Munich and also three honorary consulates in the USA, in Macon, Georgia, in Los Angeles, California and in Portland, Oregon were opened.
Switzerland has also concluded the “Swiss-Austrian Agreement on Cooperation in Consular Affairs” on 3 September 1979, which entered into force on 1 January 1980. On the basis of the accord between Liechtenstein and Switzerland of 1919 on the representation of interests by Switzerland, Liechtenstein is also included in this agreement. Accordingly, a Liechtenstein citizen may also turn to an Austrian representation abroad if needed, if Switzerland does not maintain a representation in the country in question.
Bilateral relations of other States with the Principality of Liechtenstein
Numerous States, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, have entered into diplomatic relations with Liechtenstein through non-resident ambassadors (who generally reside in Bern, since they are also accredited to Switzerland). With these flexible arrangements, Liechtenstein can exercise its foreign policy responsibilities even with modest organizational means on its own part. The accreditation of a non-residing ambassador to the Principality of Liechtenstein requires the consent of the Reigning Prince and the Liechtenstein Government.
At the same time, many States have appointed consular representatives to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Such an appointment also requires the consent of the Reigning Prince and the Liechtenstein Government.
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