In addition to its relationship with the EU as a whole, Switzerland maintains bilateral relations with the individual member states of the EU and EFTA and the small states San Marino, Andorra, Vatican City and Monaco. These relations are also very important in regard to Switzerland's European policy. Switzerland enjoys particularly close ties with its neighbouring countries, with which it shares linguistic and cultural affinities. Cross-border cooperation plays a major role in bilateral relations with neighbouring states on account of their close interaction and, in particular, intense economic exchange in the border regions. Liechtenstein is even in a currency union with Switzerland. With the other EU and EFTA countries, Switzerland enjoys close political, economic and cultural relations as well as a set of shared values and interests within the international community.