Pakistan Austria Bilateral Cooperation Strengthened During Historic Visit

Pakistan and Austria have agreed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation during a historic visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Vienna. The landmark talks focused on trade, investment, education, technology, and other key sectors.

PM Shehbaz arrived in Austria on a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister since 1992. He was warmly received at the Federal Chancellery with a ceremonial guard of honour. National anthems of both nations were played before delegation-level discussions began.

The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker and PM Shehbaz held a restricted meeting, followed by detailed discussions on bilateral relations.

Both leaders emphasized historic ties and expressed commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, healthcare, information technology, human resource development, and mobility. They also agreed to expedite the finalisation of memoranda of understanding in these areas.

During discussions, the two leaders shared views on regional and global issues, reaffirming the United Nations’ role in peace, security, climate action, and human rights protection. They also appreciated mutual support for each other’s candidatures in international forums.

PM Shehbaz invited Austrian firms to participate in the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad. Both leaders co-chaired a meeting with CEOs from leading Pakistani and Austrian companies to explore government-to-government and business-to-business cooperation. An MoU between Pakistani and Austrian companies was signed during the visit.

Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic potential, Shehbaz noted that 60% of the population is youth, requiring skills in IT and AI. He emphasized opportunities in mining, renewable energy, agriculture, and value addition in the citrus sector for exports to Europe. He also underlined Pakistan’s commitment to curb illegal migration in collaboration with European partners.

The visit celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria and marks a renewed momentum in bilateral engagement.