First Day of the Meeting of the German-Speaking Heads of State

Photo: Luxpress/Cour grand-ducale

The heads of state of the German-speaking countries held the first day of their annual meeting in Switzerland today. German-speaking in this case doesn't man that one can speak German or that you have a German-speaking minority in your country but that German is (one of) the official language(s) in your country. Those six countries are Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Belgium and Luxembourg. This year it was on Swiss President Alain Berset to host the gathering.

This afternoon, Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa as well as Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie as well as the other guests, including the Presidents of Germany and Austria with their wives and the King and Queen of the Belgians, were welcomed by the Swiss President and his wife in Sils Maria in Upper Engadine. After the official greetings, a photo call (visual proof above) took place. One assumes that the heads of state and their better halves also enjoyed dinner together though it is not noted on the official agenda.