Pakistan, Austria agree to further strengthen bilateral ties in diverse fields

Vienna (Web Desk): Pakistan and Austria have resolved to broaden and energize their bilateral partnership across numerous sectors, ranging from economic collaboration and trade to investment, tourism, hospitality, education, information technology, healthcare, and the development and movement of skilled professionals.

According to statement issued by the in a statement released by the Press Information Department (PID), the renewed pledge came during talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Austria’s Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker in Vienna on Monday.

After their one-on-one meeting, the engagement expanded into formal talks between the two delegations, aimed at advancing cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties.

Representing Pakistan in the broader discussions were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

In their meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of translating shared intentions into concrete outcomes and agreed to expedite the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the identified areas of cooperation.

The conversation also covered important regional and international issues. The two sides highlighted the vital importance of the United Nations (UN) in responding to global challenges, including maintaining international peace and security, encouraging peaceful dispute resolution, advancing sustainable development goals, addressing climate concerns, and protecting and promoting human rights.

They reaffirmed their joint commitment to multilateralism and acknowledged their mutual backing for each other’s candidatures in international forums, while expressing readiness to work collectively with other nations to reinforce the UN system.

Beyond official discussions, PM Shehbaz and Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker also co-chaired CEOs’ forum that brought together senior executives from leading Pakistani and Austrian companies.

The businesses represented a diverse array of industries such as renewable energy, energy conservation, industrial production, construction, information technology, textiles, surgical instruments, leather goods, sports equipment, healthcare services, tourism and hospitality, as well as food processing and agro-based sectors.

Both countries agreed to further strengthen government-to-government, government-to-business, and business-to-business linkages by making full use of the mechanisms already in place.

PM Shehbaz also encouraged Austrian firms to participate in the forthcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Islamabad in April this year.

Thanking Chancellor Stocker for the warm reception and productive engagements, the prime minister expressed confidence that the visit would open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

He extended a formal invitation to the Austrian chancellor to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Earlier, on arrival at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by Chancellor Stocker and presented with a guard of honour.

On the occasion, the premier recorded his remarks in the Guest Book before the two leaders held a one-on-one meeting, which was followed by expanded talks between their respective delegations.