Monday, March 18, 2024
On March 13 and 14, Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport, visited Washington, DC for bilateral meetings and, as current Chair of the Committee of Ministers in the Council of Europe, for a dialogue at the Organization of American States.
Minister Hasler met with US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell to discuss current bilateral issues. The US and Liechtenstein share the same values and commitments to freedom, democracy and the rule of law. They discussed current geopolitical developments, cooperation on the implementation of sanctions in response to Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine and other initiatives in support of the rule of law and accountability. They also discussed ways to further deepen the already substantial economic relations between the US and Liechtenstein, which enables Liechtenstein to provide thousands of American jobs.
The Embassy of Liechtenstein in Washington can rely on a large network of long-standing American friends who support Liechtenstein’s interests and cooperation with the US. Minister Hasler met with two Co-Chairs of the Congressional Friends of Liechtenstein Caucus, namely Congressmen Larry Bucshon and Dan Kildee, to thank them for their many years of commitment to Liechtenstein. As they are leaving Congress, Minister Hasler thanked them for their support, presenting them with a Letter of Recognition for their dedication to enhancing US-Liechtenstein relations within the US Congress.
Minister Hasler also met with members of Liechtenstein's network of Honorary Consuls, who represent the country's interests in various regions of the United States. The group gave an overview of their respective works to grow relations and areas of focus to further cultural, academic and economic exchange.
As Liechtenstein currently holds the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, Minister Hasler was invited to a dialogue with Permanent Representatives at the Organization of American States. The two sister organizations share a strong commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Minister Hasler was welcomed by the OAS leadership and took the opportunity to highlight a number of Liechtenstein’s priorities during its presidency that are of interest to the Western Hemisphere, followed by numerous interventions from OAS Member States.