oho #3 - The magazine of the Principality of Liechtenstein

State/Princely House
Photo: istock
View from Vienna
There have always been very close links between Austria and Liechtenstein, not least
because the Princely Family, which is one of the oldest aristocratic families in Europe,
has its roots in the region south of Vienna. In addition, the two states are connected by
over 40 treaties, an open border as well as the EEA. In this interview, the Liechtenstein
Ambassador in Vienna, Her Serene Highness Maria-Pia Kothbauer, Princess of
Liechtenstein, speaks about the neighbourly relations, past highlights and the future
challenges of her work. Interview: Patrik Schädler
Your Serene Highness, you have been Liechtenstein’s
resident Ambassador in Vienna since December 1997.
How do you view Liechtenstein from the perspective of
the Austrian capital?
As a good and reliable partner and friend of Austria. As a
country that shares the same interests and values, and
with which cooperation is extremely multifaceted. As a
country that has successfully mastered the challenges of
recent years, and has initiated the necessary reforms. And
as a country that has managed, despite the global
economic crisis, to remain debt-free.
The responsibilities of the Liechtenstein Embassy in
Vienna encompass four fields. It acts as the Embassy
of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Austria and the
Czech Republic, and is moreover the permanent
representative at the OSCE and United Nations in
Vienna. How do you keep track of all these different
tasks?
It is indeed something of a challenge, but there are positive
aspects. The advantage is that one quickly learns to
prioritise, and one remains versatile. We have an excellent
team in Vienna, and that certainly helps too. Over the years
we have been able to build up expertise in our fields of
responsibility, together with a very wide-ranging network of
contacts upon which we are able to draw, when necessary.
What is your assessment of the current relationship
between Austria and Liechtenstein? Which areas in
particular need to be addressed?
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