Liechtenstein Prince on four-day visit of India

NEW DELHI - The acting head of state of Liechtenstein, Prince Prince Alois, will undertake that country’s first ever official visit to India from today.

Prince Alois will be in India for four days and is accompanied by Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick, besides a delegation of political and business representatives.

The visitors will also undertake a trip to Mumbai before returning on November 19.

Both nations established direct diplomatic relations in 1992.

According to a press statement issued by the Liechtenstein Giovernment, Prince Alois is undertaking the trip to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation.

On Monday, the Prince and Foreign Minister Frick will call on President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari and other Indian dignitaries.

On Tuesday, the delegation will explore the India Trade Fair and interact with the Indian business community.

Visits to Raj Ghat, Birla House, Agra and the Elephanta caves in Mumbai will introduce delegation members to India’s rich culture and history, the press release said.

The strong business delegation stresses Liechtenstein’s interest in strengthening and diversifying the existing trade and investment flows between the two countries, fully exploiting substantial synergies arising from their complementary economic structures, the release added.

Liechtenstein also wants to explore common interests with India on multilateral political and economic topics. The country is actively engaged in organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Liechtenstein attaches high importance to the ongoing Doha Round and is fully committed to its successful conclusion.

Foreign Minister Frick said Liechtenstein has an interest to conclude ongoing negotiations about a broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement between the EFTA-States and India as soon as possible. (ANI)