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Asian Expats in Austria | Asians in Vienna | Bilateral Relations
Austria and Asian-Pacific countries - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, business, diplomacy, culture and tourism
Vučić Hosted Kurz: The "Fight Against Illegal Migration"
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić recently received Chancellor Kurz in Belgrade. The two of them spoke about illegal migration, especially regarding the refugees fleeing from Afghanistan. Other topics of discussion included bilateral relations and the EU rapprochement process. Kurz also spoke with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić about EU accession for the Western Balkans.
September 7, 2021
Schallenberg on Afghanistan: "Clear advance of mistrust toward the Taliban"
The Gymnich Meeting of EU foreign ministers recently took place in Slovenia. One of the main issues discussed during the two days of meetings was the situation in Afghanistan and how to deal with the Taliban going forward. Alexander Schallenberg expressed that there is a deep mistrust of the Taliban, but technical cooperation with them is currently necessary. Read more about what Schallenberg said and watch the video of him taking questions from the press.
September 7, 2021
Wirecard Scandal: Marsalek Confidant Arrested in Singapore
A close confidant of the Austrian-born former Wirecard board member Jan Marsalek, who is wanted on an international arrest warrant, has been arrested in Singapore. Briton Henry O'Sullivan is considered a close confidant of Marsalek and plays an alleged key figure in the multi-billion Wirecard fraud scandal.
September 1, 2021
Iraqi Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein in Vienna
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna for bilateral discussions. Some specific issues the pair discussed include Afghanistan, the security situation in Iraq and the Middle East, terrorism, and migration. Read about their meeting and watch their joint press conference.
September 1, 2021
Afghanistan: Austria Discusses Aid with Neighboring States Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan
To discuss cooperation and support on the situation in Afghanistan, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer initiated a joint video conference with Afghanistan's Central Asian neighbors, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as three European countries, Germany, Denmark, and Greece. The focus of the conversation with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries was on security, migration, and humanitarian aid.
August 31, 2021
50th Anniversary: Diplomatic Relations between China and Austria
To commemorate the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and Austria, the Austrian Post (Österreichische Post) has now also issued a special postage stamp.
August 30, 2021
Austrian Emergency Aid Package of 18 Million Euros for Afghan Women
Austria has announced that it will provide 15 million euros in emergency aid to help the people of Afghanistan. This is in addition to the 3 million euros that Austria already promised to donate to the UNHCR. The total of 18 million euros is intended to benefit, above all, organizations that campaign for the empowerment of women in the region, such as UN Women.
August 26, 2021
Lavrov in Vienna: Tensions Following the Establishment of the Crimea Platform
In the first official bilateral visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to Vienna since 2009, Sergey Lavrov met with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. The working talks included tense issues like the annexation of Crimea, human rights in Russia, Afghanistan, and the refugees on the Belarusian-Lithuanian border. However, they all expressed interest in continued dialogue and finding areas for cooperation between Austria, the EU, and Russia.
August 26, 2021
Van der Bellen Appeals for the Acceptance of Afghans
In his speech at the opening of the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen appealed for the acceptance of refugees from Afghanistan. Despite Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's concerns about accepting refugees, the president argued that there is a legal, moral and political obligation for the EU to offer protection to those forced to leave their country.
August 25, 2021
Casinos Austria International in Japan: Casino Resort Milestone Completed
CAI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Casinos Austria AG, has cleared an important hurdle in an elaborate selection process in Japan (Nagasaki Prefecture) for one of the three casino licenses to be awarded.
August 20, 2021
Schallenberg on Afghanistan: "Particularly close coordination between the EU partners is essential."
Before a virtual meeting of EU foreign ministers, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg commented on the escalating events surrounding the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. He stressed the necessity for cooperation among the EU member states to help deal with the situation.
August 20, 2021
Austria: Establishment of Deportation Centers in the Region Surrounding Afghanistan to Enable Deportations in the Future
Austria's Interior Minister Karl Nehammer has proposed deportation centers in Afghanistan's neighboring countries at the Special Council of EU Interior Ministers.
August 19, 2021
Van der Bellen on Afghanistan: "Deportations are contrary to the European Convention on Human Rights"
Austrian President Van der Bellen voiced his opinion on the situation in Afghanistan and the takeover of power by the radical Islamic Taliban. "The considerations to continue deporting Afghan citizens to Afghanistan are in contradiction to the European Convention on Human Rights, which is anchored in the Austrian Constitution and prohibits sending people back to a country where they have to expect persecution, torture and murder."
August 17, 2021
Austria and Afghanistan: The Dilemma with Deportations
While the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), human rights organizations and the Afghan ambassador to Austria, H.E. Ms. Manizha Bakhtari, plead for a stop to deportations, Austria continues to adhere to repatriations to Afghanistan. Read more why.
August 6, 2021 · Updated: August 9, 2021; 08:08
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial: Austria Calls for Disarmament
On the 76th anniversary of the dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg called for nuclear disarmament. They highlighted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), signed earlier this year, as a good starting point.
August 5, 2021
CTBTO Has a New Executive Secretary
Australian scientist Dr. Robert Floyd became the new Executive Secretary of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) after signing an appointment letter at the CTBTO headquarters in Vienna. Learn more about him.
August 5, 2021
Economic Opportunity: Malaysian-Austrian Joint Statement on Cooperation
Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali met with the Austrian Minister of the Economy Margarete Schramböck. The pair discussed cooperation in the high-tech industry, education and more. The two ministers also signed a joint statement, affirming Malaysia and Austria's intention of further economic cooperation.
August 3, 2021
Vietnamese Ambassador Presents Credentials to International Organizations in Vienna
The new Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Vietnam, Nguyen Trung Kien, presented his credentials to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. On July 5, 2021, he also presented Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen with his credentials.
July 14, 2021 · Updated: July 21, 2021; 13:00
Covid-19 in Austria: These Are the Updated Entry Rules
Due to today's amendment of the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021", we bring you an update on the regulations for entering Austria.
July 20, 2021
Opportunities for Businesses in India and Austria
The Ambassador of India to Austria, H.E. Jaideep Mazumdar, and the President of the Federation of Austrian Industries discuss collaboration between Indian and Austrian companies.
July 19, 2021
South Korean President in Vienna
The South Korean President Moon Jae-in has met his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen and the Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Vienna to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic and a strategic partnership.
June 15, 2021
Taiwan and Austria: Current State of Political and Trade Relations
The relations between Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), and Austria are developing stably despite the current tensions in the South China Sea.
June 1, 2021
China and Austria: Extension of Climate Neutrality Research Agreement
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Austria, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang and Austria's Climate Protection Minister Gewessler extend the agreement for cooperation in research and technology in the field of climate neutrality.
June 1, 2021
Chinese Ambassador to Austria Receives Grand Decoration of Honor
Ambassador Li Xiaosi from the People's Republic of China has been awarded the Grand Decoration of Honor for his Servicer to the State of Vienna by Mayor Michael Ludwig.
May 27, 2021
Meet the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vienna or How to (not) Be an Embassy
The increased geopolitical tensions around the diplomatic status of Taiwan can even be felt in the otherwise tranquil Vienna diplomatic scene as Taiwan’s representation in Austria demonstrates.
May 12, 2021
Ambassador to China Appointed New CEO of the Austrian Development Agency
Friedrich Stift succeeds Martin Ledolter as CEO of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA). Who is Dr. Friedrich Stift and what is his background?
May 5, 2021
Why Austria Is NOT One of the Best Countries in the World
Why a top "Quality of Life" rating is not enough to rank among the "best" countries in the world, and why expat destinations like Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and even Switzerland are uncatchable ahead of Austria.
April 30, 2021
Youth, Peace, and Security: Preventive Diplomacy Ambassadors Practice Conflict Prevention Strategy
Preventive Diplomacy Academy graduates from UNRCCA (UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia), Young Turkmen SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Ambassadors and CTBTO Youth Group representatives had a great opportunity to express their views and ideas.
April 29, 2021
Vienna Stock Exchange: Introduction of 13 Asian Companies
The Vienna Stock Exchange has expanded its offering on the global market by three Chinese and ten Japanese stocks. This addition was made after recently recording a growing demand for Asian shares. Among the new companies offered are the technology group Fujifilm and the pharmaceutical company Takeda Pharmaceutical.
April 29, 2021
Austria Provides Covid-19 Aid for India
India will receive antiviral drugs worth EUR 2 million from Austria for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Only recently, India has recorded a massive increase of infection numbers, which is why Austria and other countries have assured their help by providing various drugs and medical supplies.
April 28, 2021
Viennese Theater Productions Premiere in Japan
The Viennese theater productions "Mozart!" and "Elisabeth" premiere in Japan despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The two musicals will be staged numerous times in various cities in Japan and show the interest of the Japanese population in Austrian theater productions.
April 22, 2021
Vienna Hosts Discussion Over Iran Nuclear Agreement
High representatives of the EU, China, France, Germany, Russia, UK, Iran and the United States have come to Vienna in order to discuss a possible revival of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as Iran Nuclear Agreement. Although progress was made, the path to a final decision might be long.
April 12, 2021
Austrian Airlines Resumes Operations with London and Tel Aviv
After the landing ban for passengers from the United Kingdom imposed by the Austrian government and the generally difficult air traffic situation with Israel in recent weeks, travel to London and Tel Aviv can now once again be offered by Austrian Airlines. Connections to China will, however, be suspended until April 9, 2021.
March 24, 2021
Manizha Bakhtari, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan Presents Credentials
The new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Afghanistan to Austria, Manizha Bakhtari, presented her Letters of Credence. She was the former Afghan ambassador to the Nordic Countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland), and previously served as the Chief of Staff of the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
March 15, 2021
Vienna Welcomes New Ambassadors from Spain, Kazakhstan, Ireland, Ghana, Argentina and Afghanistan
Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen welcomed the six newly accredited Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Spain, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of Ghana, the Argentine Republic and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to Austria to the Presidential Chancellery of the Vienna Imperial Palace for the presentation of their letters of accreditation.
March 4, 2021
Austrian Foreign Ministry: New Appointments to 30 Senior Diplomatic Positions Worldwide
The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) under the guidance of Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has decided in today's meeting of the Council of Ministers the new appointments of several (30) Austrian representative authorities - as follows.
February 24, 2021
Österreichisches Außenministerium: Neubesetzung von 30 Diplomatischen Leitungsfunktionen Weltweit
Das Österreichische Außenministerium (Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten) unter der Leitung von Außenminister Alexander Schallenberg hat in der heutigen Sitzung des Ministerrates die Neubesetzung von mehreren (30) österreichischen Vertretungsbehörden - wie folgt - beschlossen.
February 24, 2021
Down Under Hotel Flair for Vienna
Adina Apartment Hotels, a hospitality brand and a market leader in high-quality apartment-style hotels originating from Australia, has announced its flagship Adina brand will debut in Vienna. One of only seven hotels to offer a swimming pool in Vienna, the "Adina Apartment Hotel Vienna Belvedere", developed by Signa Real Estate Management GmbH, will literally make a splash in Vienna’s ultra-modern Quartier Belvedere when it opens in April of 2021, completed with a heated indoor pool and sauna.
February 15, 2021 · Sponsored Content
How the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement Benefits Austria
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) celebrates its second anniversary by adding 28 protected geographical indications, one of them important for Austria, and facilitating trade in wine and vehicles. The agreement does not only benefit the EU as a whole, but has also immediate impact on Austria's economy.
February 8, 2021
New Year's Reception for Vienna's Diplomatic Corps
Alexander Van Der Bellen and Pedro Lopez Quintana, the doyen of the diplomatic corps, delivered a video address on the occasion of the New Year 2021 to all diplomats accredited in Austria and to the international community in general. Read the most important excerpts from the Austrian President's speech below.
January 29, 2021
Influential OPEC Fund Celebrates 45th Anniversary
The Vienna-based OPEC Fund for International Development marks its 45th anniversary today. Since inception in 1976 by the Member States of OPEC, the multilateral development finance institution has approved more than US$25 billion in essential financing for 135 partner countries.
January 28, 2021
Myanmar Ambassador Receives President of Austrian-Myanmar Society
U Min Thein, Ambassador-designate of Myanmar to Austria received President of Austrian-Myanmar Society Prof. Dr. Andreas Moritz (Head of the School of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna) and Vice-President Mr. Philip Schönthal (Myanmar Honorary Consul-General to Austria) at the Myanmar Embassy.
January 28, 2021
Investment Agreement with China Opens Doors
The European Union and China have agreed on a joint investment agreement. The core elements of the "Comprehensive Agreement on Investment" (CAI) include better market access, sustainability and a level playing field for European and Chinese companies. Considering the fact that China will be the biggest economy of the world in the near future, the agreement opens doors to a huge market.
December 30, 2020
Schallenberg Honors Outstanding Intercultural Projects
Austria's Foreign Ministry honored international intercultural projects in the categories of sustainability, current events, innovation, media, and integration. The prizes went to organizations from France, Kosovo, Indonesia, Poland and Austria, which all played a significant role in impacting communities in the respective countries.
November 30, 2020
Hong Kong Economist: How China Will Implement the National Security Law
Insightful conversation about the current economic crisis in Hong Kong, which was triggered by the National Security Law and the Coronavirus, which was conducted between the Austrian diplomat and former ambassador in Beijing, Irene Giner Reichl and the Hong Kong Economist and Lecturer at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chi Lo.
November 20, 2020
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About the Chinese Embassy in Vienna
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Austria is located at Metternichgasse 4 in the 3rd district of Vienna, near the Belvedere Palace. The building in which the Embassy is located is also known as Palais Bratmann-Thorsch and was formerly the residence of Austrian-Jewish industrialists and bankers.
November 11, 2020
Jewish Museum Vienna Opens "Little Vienna in Shanghai"
The Jewish Museum Vienna opened the new exhibition "Little Vienna in Shanghai" that is dedicated to the stories of Viennese Jewish families that fled to Shanghai in the hope to live a better life. The exhibition can be seen until April 18, 2021.
October 21, 2020
Van der Bellen Welcomes New Ambassadors
Federal President Van der Bellen welcomes new ambassadors from eight different nations to Austria. The new ambassadors have already begun with their work.
September 30, 2020
Global Nuclear Regulatory Agency Appoints 11 New Members to Board of Governors
The IAEA reports, that eleven countries have been newly elected to serve on the 35-member Board of Governors for the period 2020-2022.
September 26, 2020
International Day of Democracy: Collection of Initiatives for Promoting Democracy
The IPU in cooperation with the Austrian parliament has issued a report that comprises best-practice examples of how countries promote democracy among the population, especially among the youth and young adults.
September 15, 2020