Pakistan and Austria have agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Vienna. Shehbaz Sharif met Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker at the Federal Chancellery.
The visit marks the first trip by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria since 1992. The two-day visit is being seen as a significant diplomatic milestone. It also coincides with 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was warmly received at the Chancellery. A guard of honour was presented. The national anthems of both countries were played. Both leaders introduced their delegations before holding formal talks.
High-Level Talks Focus on Trade, Investment and Multilateral Cooperation
The two leaders first held a restricted meeting. This was followed by delegation-level talks. Pakistan’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.
According to an official statement, both sides recalled their historic and friendly ties. They agreed to enhance cooperation in multiple sectors. These include economic cooperation, trade, and investment. Tourism, hospitality, education, IT, healthcare, and human resource mobility were also discussed.
Both countries agreed to finalize several memoranda of understanding at the earliest. These MoUs aim to institutionalize cooperation in key sectors.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. They emphasized the central role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism. They also appreciated mutual support for each other’s international candidatures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz described the meetings as warm and productive. He said the visit would give fresh momentum to bilateral relations. He also invited Chancellor Stocker to visit Pakistan soon.
Business Forum, Skilled Labour and Joint Efforts Against Illegal Immigration
The visit also focused strongly on business and investment. The two leaders co-chaired a meeting of CEOs from leading Austrian and Pakistani companies. They agreed to expand government-to-government, government-to-business, and business-to-business cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz invited Austrian companies to attend the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad. An MoU between Pakistani and Austrian firms was also signed in Vienna. Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Vice President Carmen Goby witnessed the ceremony.
Addressing a business roundtable, the prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s young population. He said 60 percent of Pakistan’s population is youth. He stressed the need for modern skills, IT training, and AI-based initiatives. He also underlined opportunities in agriculture, mining, minerals, and renewable energy.
On illegal immigration, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan is working with Austria and other European partners to jointly curb illegal migration. He stated that Pakistan opposes illegal immigration. He assured Austria that Pakistan would provide certified skilled labour as required.
The visit signals renewed engagement between Islamabad and Vienna. Both sides expressed confidence that stronger political dialogue and business linkages will unlock new economic opportunities.
