Doris Frick, Embassy of the Principality of Liechtenstein

Article published in the infoletter May 2022.

My responsibilities include nurturing the political, economic, cultural and social relationships with Switzerland. Liechtenstein and Switzerland are linked by more than 110 agreements covering almost all aspects of life. We are continuously involved in one or the other of the bilateral agreements. Changing needs, but also new international rules and national developments, require regular adjustments to the agreements.

There is also a regular exchange between Liechtenstein and Switzerland at both the ministerial and civil service levels, as well as frequent meetings between parliamentary delegations. One of my key responsibilities is maintaining relations with the embassies of other countries based here in Bern. Since most of them are also accredited to Liechtenstein, I am in regular and close contact with many of them.

In 2023, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Customs Treaty between Switzerland and Liechtenstein — a landmark agreement that laid the foundation for the close cooperation our two countries enjoy today. A range of events is being planned to mark the occasion, both for official representatives and for the general public. Organising these celebrations will be a major focus of my work in the coming months.

Bern's old town is incredibly beautiful – even after 25 years I never cease to be amazed by it. A further plus is that Bern is surrounded by charming locations with gorgeous views. Gerzensee, with its lake and uninterrupted view of the Alps, is number one when it comes to a place to visit outside Bern.

I enjoy nothing more than to ride my bike over the Kirchenfeld, Kornhaus and Monbijou bridges. The view from these bridges towards the old town is pure enjoyment.

• Cheese (particularly Raclette);

• Paul Klee, as I am an art-lover. The museum landscape in Bern has a lot to offer, creates variety and shows exhibitions at the highest level;

• Drinking beer in the evenings with friends;

• Hiking AND skiing, depending on the time of year. I grew up in the mountains, and mountains are my source of energy.

In 2019 the Federal Council invited Liechtenstein for a two-days state visit to Switzerland. It is very clear to me that this event forms one of the highlights of my 30 year career as a diplomat. The visit was brought to a close by a tour of the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and Nestlé. These two days of visits provided me with no end of insights into Swiss politics, research and business.

Swimming in the Aare a second time. In all the years I have spent in Bern I have only been swimming in the river once – and that was when the river was in flood, probably not the best time to make a start.

Going shopping in Bern. The shopping environment is incomparable.

Assuming that the Liechtenstein dialect is understood by everyone here, I do not use Swiss German words. But sometimes I am not so sure about this as people frequently reply to me in standard German if I ask them a question in my dialect.

I would start with a guided tour of the history and archaeology of Bern. It was only after a tour of this nature with PD Dr. Armand Baeriswyl who works for the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern that I started to understand something of the city. As a result of this tour, I now see Bern through totally different eyes. I have also joined many other worthwhile tours of the city focussing on different subjects (e.g. political parties in Switzerland, women in Bern ...).

Michael FLÜGGER, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

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