Austrian envoy reaffirms stronger, closer diplomatic partnership with Pakistan
Ambassador of Austria Mrs Andrea Wicke and her husband Mr. VenzislavWicke-Dermendjiev hosted a reception at her residence to celebrate the National Day of Austria and to reaffirm closer and stronger diplomatic partnership with Pakistan.
Ambassadors, diplomats and prominent Pakistanis from business, civil society, academia and other fields attended the reception and greeted her on the auspicious day. A cake was also cut on the occasion to celebrate the National Day of Austria.
The venue was decorated with flags and colours of Austria while anthems of Austria, Pakistan and the European Union were played prior to the address of the ambassador.
Ambassador Andrea Wicke while giving a historical background of the National Day said Austria regained its sovereignty and declared neutrality in 1955 and October 26 (today) is the National Day.
The day embodies the values that defined the character of the Austrian nation she said. Last month in September Austria held its parliamentary elections, she informed the audience adding the political landscape was increasingly fragmented in Austria and “so it will take some time to establish a new government.” Austria has remained a steadfast partner both within Europe and the world stage, she said.
Austria’s foreign policy she said remained rooted in democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights and Austria would continue to remain a stable and a reliable partner in the global economy. Austria’s partnership with Pakistan is based on trust, respect and 70 years of diplomatic cooperation, she said.
The bilateral relationship began with Mr Friedrich Hartlmayer as Austria’s first official representative to Pakistan serving in 1954 as first Minister Plenipotentiary and later as ambassador. This bilateral cooperation spans the field of business, academic exchange and culture, she said. In people-to-people relations, she announced establishment of the ‘Pakistan-Austria Friendship Society’ in Lahore, which will be named the ‘Mozart House’ in honour of the world renowned Austrian composer. She expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz Sharif and her Pakistani colleague Prof Aamir Rafique whose vision and dedication have been pivotal in bringing the idea to life.
Moreover, Austria together with Pakistani partners co-financed four solar-powered water pumping and filtering systems in Multan. This project of course, solely with green energy, improves water quality and reduces the spread of diseases such as hepatitis with particular benefits for mothers and children, she happily noted.
Besides, in coming November, a business delegation of eight prominent Austrian companies is set to visit Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore to explore new business prospects. Another thing she mentioned was Austria’s plan to launch early next year ‘Dialogue Residency Programme’ which will bring together Austrian and Pakistani experts for intensive dialogue and cooperation, learning from each other and promoting mutual understanding.
