Her Excellency Claudia Fritsche

Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United States

Thursday, March 6, 2008
12:00-1:00 p.m.

Templeton Campus Center
Council Chamber

As part of her country’s mission to develop a more engaged relationship with the United States and its various regions, namely the Pacific Northwest, Ambassador Claudia Fritsche of Liechtenstein will be visiting Portland, OR from March 5-8, 2008.

Ambassador Fritsche’s visit will be launched by a private opening of the art exhibition Odyssey by Liechtenstein artist Artemis at the Lawrence Gallery at 5:00 p.m. on March 5. The exhibition will be officially opened for public viewing at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. “Odyssey” is a series of 12 abstract tapestries based on the characters and plot of Homer’s “The Odyssey”.

On March 6, Ambassador Fritsche will address students and faculty of the Lewis & Clark College beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Templeton Campus Center, Council Chamber.

Ambassador Claudia Fritsche assumed her duties as the first resident Ambassador of Liechtenstein in Washington at the beginning of October 2002, after leaving her post in New York, where she had served as the Permanent Representative of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United Nations from 1990 to 2002. Ambassador Fritsche served as Vice-President and Member of the General Committee of the United Nations General Assembly during its 48th Session. From June 1999 to September 2002 she served as President of the International Association of Permanent Representatives to the United Nations.

Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein (approx. 1.5 hours east of Zurich, Switzerland) is roughly the geographic size of Washington, DC. (62 square miles) With a population of approximately 35,000, Liechtenstein has been able to become one of the world’s most highly industrialized nations, resulting in a people and a culture that are truly unique. Contrary to most people’s perception of Liechtenstein, the largest contributor to its economy is the manufacturing sector at 40% followed by the general services sector and the financial services sector.

Liechtenstein boasts a long and diverse tradition of culture and art with a number of museums, such as the Kunstmuseum in Vaduz, which exhibits selections from the Princely Family’s extensive art collection along with an array of classical and modern artists, a National Museum showcasing artifacts dating back over a thousand years and even a museum on the history of skiing. Moreover, Liechtenstein has a number of theater, film and music festivals that showcase a variety of international and local talents, including one of Liechtenstein’s most prized historical talents, the composer Josef Gabriel Rheinberger.

For detailed information on the Principality of Liechtenstein, visit http://www.liechtenstein. li.