PM Shehbaz Austria Visit Begins with Key Vienna Talks

The PM Shehbaz Austria visit began on Sunday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Vienna on a two-day official trip aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The visit is taking place from February 15 to 16 at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

The prime minister is leading a senior delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.

This trip holds diplomatic importance as it marks 70 years of relations between Pakistan and Austria. It is also the first time in more than 30 years that a Pakistani prime minister has visited Vienna. The last such visit was made by former premier Nawaz Sharif in 1992.

During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz will hold formal talks with Chancellor Stocker. Both sides are expected to review existing cooperation and explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and political engagement. Officials say the discussions will cover the full scope of bilateral ties.

The prime minister is also scheduled to address a special event organised under the United Nations. His speech will focus on sustainable development, global peace, and shared prosperity.

In addition, he is expected to meet the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to discuss matters related to international cooperation.

Another key engagement includes chairing a session of the Pakistan-Austria Business Forum, hosted by the Austrian Economic Chamber. The forum aims to promote business links and encourage investment between the two countries.

Officials say Pakistan and Austria have maintained friendly relations over the decades. Their partnership is based on dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation under international law.

The PM Shehbaz Austria visit is expected to help deepen diplomatic, economic, and multilateral cooperation between Islamabad and Vienna.