Liechtenstein–Ukraine relations
Liechtenstein |
Ukraine |
---|---|
Diplomatic mission | |
Embassy of Ukraine, Bern | Embassy of Switzerland, Kyiv |
Envoy | |
Ambassador Félix Baumann[1] | Ambassador Iryna Venediktova[2] |
Foreign relations exist between Liechtenstein and Ukraine. Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 February 1992.[3] Since then, the relations between the two countries have been stable.
Ukraine does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein, but honorary consulate located in Vaduz. The Ukrainian ambassador to Switzerland, located in Bern, is also accredited to Liechtenstein. Similarly, the Swiss embassy in Kyiv also represents Liechtenstein.
Diplomatic and economic cooperation
[edit]Since 1 June 2012 the EFTA-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is in force between Ukraine and Liechtenstein.[3][4]
Liechtenstein does not recognise the Russian annexation of Crimea and participated in the international sanctions against Russia in 2014.[5][6] In 2017, Liechtenstein removed visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens.[5][7]
In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Liechtenstein condemned the invasion and applied EU sanctions against Russia, in return Russia declared the country as "taking unfriendly actions against Russia, Russian companies, and citizens".[8][9][10][11][12] Liechtenstein has sent 500,000 CHF worth humanitarian aid to Ukraine and a subsequent loan of an additional 1.8 million CHF in February 2022 aimed at assisting those displaced as a result of the war.[10][13]
In June 2024, a Ukrainian honorary consulate was opened in Liechtenstein in a ceremony opened by Yevhen Perebyinis, Iryna Venediktova and Dominique Hasler, with lawyer David Jandrasits becoming honorary consul.[14]
In November 2024 a petition was submitted to the Landtag of Liechtenstein against the proposed transfer of 8.8 million CHF (11 million US dollars) to Ukraine. However, the Landtag rejected the petition and subsequently approved the transfer on 7 November.[15][16] In response, the petitioner Jürgen Schädler did not call for a referendum over the issue.[17]
High level visits and diplomatic meetings
[edit]- On 17 January 2017, Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein and President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko met where they discussed trade and investment between the two countries. Poroshenko thanked Liechtenstein for its involvement in EU sanctions against Russia.[5]
- In June 2018, Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein and his wife visited Ukraine where they met with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman in Kyiv respectively. They discussed cooperation between the International Red Cross and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society. They also placed flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.[citation needed]
- On 17 January 2023, Alois, Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein met with First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska in Davos, Switzerland. They discussed Russian war crimes in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[18][19]
- In March 2024 Liechtenstein foreign minister Dominique Hasler visited Ukraine at the invitation of Olena Zelenska. She visited the Olena Zelenska Foundation and also met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ swissinfo.ch/mga (28 March 2023). "Beware 'neutrality fetishism' warns ex-Swiss ambassador to Kyiv". SWI swissinfo.ch. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
- ^ "Ukraine confirms former top prosecutor as new ambassador in Bern". 18 November 2022.
- ^ a b "European countries". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 23 August 2019.
- ^ "Ukraine". EFTA.
- ^ a b c "Порошенко у Давосі провів "історичну зустріч" (in Ukrainian). 17 January 2017. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Vaduz: Frick hofft auf friedliche Krim-Lösung". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-08.
- ^ "Liechtenstein visa for Ukrainian citizens". Embassies.
- ^ "Liechtenstein verurteilt die russische Aggression gegen die Ukraine" [Liechtenstein condemns Russian aggression against Ukraine]. regierung.li (in German). 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision 2014/658/CFSP amending Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine" (PDF). Council of the European Union. 15 October 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Regierung beschliesst Nachvollzug von Sanktionen und gibt IHZE Gelder frei". medienportal.regierung.li. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Prince Alois of Liechtenstein comments on the Russian invasion of Ukraine". Royal Central. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Russia issues list of countries, considering their 'unfriendly actions'". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
- ^ "Sonderseite Ukraine". Regiferung Des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Ukraine opens honorary consulate in Liechtenstein". Ukrinform. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
- ^ Kaufmann, Gary (6 November 2024). "Petition gegen Ukraine-Hilfsbeiträge abgeschmettert". Liechtensteiner Vaterland (in German). Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ Kaufmann, Gary (7 November 2024). "Ukraine-Hilfsbeiträge: Landtag stimmt den 8,8 Millionen Franken zu". Liechtensteiner Vaterland (in German). Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ Kaufmann, Gary (9 November 2024). "Ukraine-Hilfsbeiträge: Keine Volksabstimmung in Sicht". Liechtensteiner Vaterland (in German). Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ "First Lady Zelenska discusses Russian war crimes with Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein Alois". The New Voice of Ukraine. 18 January 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Olena Zelenska presented the Ukrainian Peace Formula at the World Economic Forum in Davos". President of Ukraine - Official website. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Aussenministerin Hasler zu Besuch in der Ukraine". Liechtensteiner Vaterland. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.