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La Principauté de Liechtenstein
>> Chemin: Portal / State / Foreign policy / Goals and priorities
Goals and priorities 

As is true in general for the foreign policy of other States, the main responsibilities of Liechtenstein foreign policy are to safeguard the independence and security of the country and to manage its international legal relations. This includes cultivating relations with other States and multilateral cooperation in the context of international organizations and treaties regarded as important for Liechtenstein at the European and global level. Of particular significance for Liechtenstein are the United Nations (UN) , the Council of Europe , the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) , the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) , the European Economic Area (EEA) , including further-reaching cooperation with the European Union (EU) , and the World Trade Organization .

Guidelines for international cooperation include safeguarding Liechtenstein’s national interests, protecting its citizens, and demonstrating solidarity with the international community of States. Liechtenstein is therefore particularly engaged in human rights policy, the progressive development of international law, development cooperation, international humanitarian assistance, including disaster relief and assistance for Eastern Europe, as well as individual areas of international environmental policy. Unlike most other States, Liechtenstein does not maintain armed forces. Accordingly, military topics are not directly relevant to Liechtenstein. However, within the scope of its possibilities, Liechtenstein is engaged in general security policy and the promotion of peace, in addition to its support of humanitarian aspects as a consequence of armed conflict.

As a small State, Liechtenstein is even less able than larger States to represent itself in all areas at the European or international level and to play an active role. It must therefore set priorities within the main areas of focus mentioned above. Since the international context is always changing – for example, with respect to the interests of the Liechtenstein financial center and measures to combat international terrorism – the importance assigned to the implementation of priorities must regularly be reevaluated. This is not only true for the practical work of the Office for Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic representations, but also for the choice of international agreements and international organizations which Liechtenstein should additionally join. Not only the legal repercussions must be taken into account, but also the human and financial resource implications for Liechtenstein.

A comprehensive account of Liechtenstein foreign policy can be found in the "Report (PDF, 1.30 MB) Download als PDF-Datei concerning the Goals and Priorities of Liechtenstein Foreign Policy" published in 2007.

Responsibility for content lies with the Office for Foreign Affairs, 9490 Vaduz, office@liechtenstein.li

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