Bilateral cooperation 28 | The numerous contacts at the political level are a sign of these ties. In the past two years, meetings of the four German-speaking heads of state have been held in Liechtenstein (2011) and Switzerland (2012). At the governmental level, there have been about a dozen bilateral meetings of individual ministers in the past two years as well as several ministerial meetings at the level of the German-speaking countries. A meeting of the Liechtenstein-Swiss Parliamentary Friendship Group also took place in Vaduz. The contacts and reciprocal governmental visits with Swiss cantons and the exchanges at the level of public officials are also extensive. All of this is a sign of the many years of extensive and friendly neighbourly relations. Never­ theless, the exten­sive relations also entail the need for discussion in areas where the legal foundations differ. Examples include social insurance and health as well as payment transactions and flanking measures accompanying the Free Movement of Persons Agreement between Switzerland and the EU. In areas with similar legal foundations, the legal developments in one country – for instance due to EEA obligations in Liechtenstein – regularly necessitate adjustments. The basis for finding solutions on both sides is in general excellent. The bilateral relationship is vibrant and advances continuously. Liechtenstein and Switzerland are closely connected not only through their bilateral treaties and agreements. Both states advocate the same values and goals in many areas in international bodies, leading to substantial cooperation also at the international level. Austria Liechtenstein and Austria traditionally have had close and friendly ties. The shared history and similar values have always shaped the common geographic, economic and cultural bonds of the region. Liechtenstein is very closely linked with Austria through the European Economic Area, since December 2011 through the Schengen agreement, and through numerous treaties in the areas of education, health, internal security, justice, and social affairs. The revision of the Liechtenstein-Austrian DTA from 1970 is currently under negotiation. For Liechtenstein, which also covers sub-areas of state action through cooperation agreements with neighbouring countries, this type of far-reaching collaboration plays an especially important role. In recent years, the process of information and close coordination with the federal government and public administration of Austria has been continued in all areas of policy. Regular bilateral working visits have taken place, concerned mainly with questions of economic development, the financial centre, the European integration process, and foreign, justice, cultural and educational policy. The heads of state of both countries have come together each year for an exchange of ideas as part of the meetings of the German-speaking countries. In line with the European trend towards increasing significance of regions, the relations between Liechtenstein and its regional partners and the federal states in Austria have intensified in recent years. The annual working meetings between the governments of Liechtenstein and Vorarlberg have been continued, serving coordination and information in many policy areas.