VIENNA: Pakistan Austria multi-sectoral ties received a fresh boost on Monday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna’s historic Hofburg Palace.
Upon arrival, the prime minister was welcomed with a guard of honour ceremony. He also signed the Guest Book at the Chancellery.
The two leaders first held a restricted meeting. This was followed by delegation-level talks. The Pakistani side included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
Expanding Pakistan Austria Multi-Sectoral Ties Across Key Sectors
Both leaders recalled the long-standing and friendly relations between Pakistan and Austria. They agreed to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors.
These include:
- Economic cooperation
- Trade and investment
- Tourism and hospitality
- Education and IT
- Healthcare
- Human resource development and mobility
They agreed to finalize pending Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in these areas at the earliest.
The leaders also discussed regional and global developments. They stressed the central role of the United Nations in maintaining peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and protecting human rights.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and appreciated mutual support for each other’s candidatures in international forums.
CEOs Forum and Business Engagements
The prime minister and the Austrian chancellor co-chaired a CEOs Forum featuring leading companies from both countries.
The forum focused on collaboration in:
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Industrial manufacturing and construction
- IT and digital services
- Textiles and surgical equipment
- Leather and sports goods
- Healthcare and tourism
- Food and agro-industries
Both sides agreed to expand government-to-government (G2G), government-to-business (G2B), and business-to-business (B2B) engagement through existing platforms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Austrian companies to participate in the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum scheduled in Islamabad in April.
Invitation for Official Visit to Pakistan
The prime minister thanked Chancellor Stocker for productive discussions. He said the visit would add new momentum to Pakistan Austria multi-sectoral ties.
He also invited the Austrian chancellor to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
FAQs
1. Where did the meeting take place?
The meeting was held at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna’s historic Hofburg Palace.
2. What sectors will Pakistan and Austria cooperate in?
They will cooperate in trade, investment, IT, tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, and human resource development.
3. What role did the United Nations play in discussions?
Both leaders emphasized the UN’s central role in peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights.
4. What business initiatives were announced?
A CEOs Forum was co-chaired to enhance G2G, G2B, and B2B cooperation. Austrian firms were invited to the EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad.
