Dominique Hasler, member of the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, and Irish minister Thomas Byrne discussed the two country’s collaboration in the area of foreign trade. The talks also centered on Council of Europe procedures. Ireland and Liechtenstein are due to assume chairmanship of this organization in quick succession.

Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport for the government of Liechtenstein, and Thomas Byrne, Irish Minister of State for European Affairs, have held discussions via video conference call on the two country’s collaboration in the area of foreign trade and in the Council of Europe, according to a press release issued by the Government of Liechtenstein. Both countries have been “extensively networked for many years and maintain friendly relations” through their membership in the Council of Europe and the European Economic Area, the press release explains further.

During the talks with her Irish colleague, Hasler emphasized “the importance of Liechtenstein’s close economic ties with Europe via its EEA membership in addition to Switzerland via its customs agreement”, the Government of Liechtenstein writes in the press release. The development of Liechtenstein’s economic relations with the United Kingdom was also discussed. In this context, Hasler referred to the free trade agreement concluded in 2021 by the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in addition to the negotiations that have now commenced for a double taxation agreement.

Discussions also centered on the cooperation between Liechtenstein and the Republic of Ireland within the Council of Europe, the press release explains further. Ireland and Liechtenstein are due to chair the Committee of Ministers and thus the Council of Europe from May 2022 and November 2023 respectively for a period of six months in each case. During their video conference call, Hasler and Byrne exchanged views on the thematic priorities and activities planned for their respective chairmanships.

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