Bilateral cooperation 30 | Germany Liechtenstein is connected with the Federal Republic of Germany through a rich shared history, the shared German language, and the resulting far-reaching commonalities in linguistic and cultural history. Not least of all, the two countries are linked by the European Economic Area, in which Germany is the most important trading partner of Liechtenstein. Germany’s role in the EU, but also in the OECD, the G8 and the G20 give particular importance to the relations with this country. Until the end of the First World War, the Austrian legation represented Liechtenstein’s interests in Germany. From 1919, Liechtenstein’s interests were safeguarded by the Swiss represen­ tations – for a time in both German states. In 1992, in the context of Liechtenstein’s interest in joining the EEA, direct diplomatic relations were established for the first time, and the German ambassador in Bern was additionally accredited in Vaduz. In 2000, a Liechtenstein ambassador was for the first time accredited in Berlin, albeit initially in a non-resident capacity from Vaduz. In 2002, the first ambassador residing in Berlin was appointed. During the first few years of the embassy in Berlin, the main priorities were estab­lishing contacts at the high political level, the development of cultural networks, the strengthening of economic relations, the appointment of two honorary consulates, and positive image management. At the beginning of 2008, the first official visit in 16 years by a Liechtenstein Germany’s role Prime Minister to Germany took place. At the same time, special diplo­matic challenges arose between the two countries. The purchase by German authorities of bank data of German taxpayers stolen in Liechtenstein triggered a tax scandal in February 2008. in the EU, the OECD From 2008 to 2012, the negotiations on cooperation between Liechtenstein and Ger- and the G20 give many on tax matters therefore played an important role. In 2009, a tax information particular importance exchange agreement between the two countries was signed, which entered into force in 2010 and has worked smoothly so far. In 2011, a comprehensive double taxation to the relations agreement was signed. The DTA was ratified by the Liechtenstein Parliament in April with this country. 2012. Germany ratified the agreement at the end of November 2012. Other agreements in this domain could follow. The tax agreements were necessary to elevate bilateral relations with Germany to a higher and stronger level and to eliminate tensions in this area. At the same time, legal certainty in this area and attractive framework conditions for mutual investments were created, especially thanks to the DTA. This will link the two business locations even more closely together. With the progress in the negotiations, political contacts at all levels were revived or even newly established. In 2010, the first official visit by a Head of State of Liechtenstein took place in the Federal Republic of Germany, when H.S.H. Hereditary Prince Alois von und zu Liechtenstein was received in Berlin by Federal President Horst Köhler. Since then, bilateral meetings of all Liechtenstein Ministers with their German counterparts have taken place. Liechtenstein has meanwhile also become a traditional participant in the quadrilateral meetings of the Germanspeaking countries. These meetings take place at the level of the heads of state, the ministers of home affairs, the ministers of finance (here also with Luxembourg), the ministers of justice, the ministers of environmental affairs, and for the first time in August 2012 in Vaduz also the level of the foreign ministers.