The Meeting between Dario Item and Luigi from Liechtenstein

On 13 December 2018, Ambassador Dario Item was received by the Crown Prince of Liechtenstein, Luigi. The occasion was the official presentation by Dario Item of the credentials to receive the royal permission in order to officially exercise the function of ambassador to Liechtenstein on behalf of the Caribbean state of Antigua and Barbuda.

Four new ambassadors presented their letters of credence along with Dario Item. Diplomats from: Brazil, Republic of Panama, Kingdom of Belgium and Republic of Armenia.

The meeting between Dario Item and Luigi from Liechtenstein

On 13 December 2018, Ambassador Dario Item was received by the Crown Prince of Liechtenstein, Luigi. The occasion was the official presentation by Dario Item of the credentials to receive the royal permission in order to officially exercise the function of ambassador to Liechtenstein on behalf of the Caribbean state of Antigua and Barbuda.

Four new ambassadors presented their letters of credence along with Dario Item. Diplomats from: Brazil, Republic of Panama, Kingdom of Belgium and Republic of Armenia.

Louis of Liechtenstein

He inherited power from his father Hans Adam II and since August 15, 2004 he is officially the King of Liechtenstein. Hans Adam remains the head of state, but the exercise of power is entrusted to his son.

Louis of Liechtenstein attended the Royal Military Academy Sundharst, the initial training center for British army officers. He then graduated in law from the University of Salzburg in 1993.

Together, the monarchic family and parliament control the political power in Liechtenstein. Land tag, which is the parliament of the country, has 25 representative selected by the citizens.

Promulgated in 1921, the constitution deliberated comprehensive power upon the prince regent, which include appointing the judges and the member of the government. His anointment, nevertheless, are subject to the approval of the citizens; whom, as per the constitution, can request for a removal through referendum. This particular case of the sovereign, commendably holding such political powers is exceptional in Europe.

However, he is subject to the judgement of the citizens, who may, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution itself, request his removal from office by referendum.

This is in an attempt to find a balance in the most unique case in Europe of a sovereign who also holds strong and effective political powers.

The credentials presentation ceremony

This ceremony is a diplomatic rite that has remain ed-intact over time. It is an important moment for a responsible head of mission who has to officially start his activity

Letters of credence are diplomatic letters in which a head of state (in the case of Dario Item, the head of state of Antigua and Barbuda) accredits his ambassador to the head of a foreign state (in this case, Luigi of Liechtenstein).

The protocol of the ceremony is similar in each country and is regulated by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.

The new ambassadors are welcomed by the diplomatic staff of the state in which they intend to begin their diplomatic activity, and then accompanied to the palaces for official delivery. Two letters have to be delivered: one sealed to the head of state and the other unsealed to the foreign minister.

After having submitted the letters, it is standard practice for each ambassador to have a brief conversation with the Head of State, a private meeting that symbolically inaugurates relations between the two countries.