The main responsibilities of Liechtenstein foreign policy consist in preserving the independence and security of the country and maintaining and developing its relations under international law.

This entails both cultivating bilateral relations with other States as well as multilateral cooperation in the international organizations regarded as important for Liechtenstein and in the framework of treaties at the European and global level.

The guidelines of Liechtenstein's international cooperation encompass the safeguarding of the country's own national interests, protection of Liechtenstein citizens, and solidarity with the international community. Liechtenstein is therefore especially engaged in human rights policy, the progressive development of international law, development cooperation, international humanitarian assistance including disaster aid, and specific areas of international environmental policy.

Unlike most other States, Liechtenstein does not maintain armed forces. Accordingly, all topics in this regard are not directly relevant to Liechtenstein. Nevertheless, Liechtenstein is engaged to the extent possible in general security policy and the promotion of peace, in addition to supporting humanitarian responses to armed conflicts.

Liechtenstein is even less able than larger States to represent itself and play an active role in all areas dealt with at the European or international level.

For this reason, Switzerland represents Liechtenstein in all countries where Liechtenstein has not established an embassy or mission, both at the consular and the diplomatic level. Moreover, due to its limited personnel capacities, Liechtenstein must define clear priorities within the aforementioned main areas of its foreign policy.