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Vienna Diplomatic News | ViennaDiplomacy | Cultural Diplomacy
Read the latest headlines about diplomatic missions and international organizations in Vienna and Austria



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Austria: H.E. Mr. Mirghani Abbaker Altayeb Bakhit


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Mirghani Abbaker Altayeb Bakhit presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
November 7, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Austria: H.E. Ms. Mikaela Kumlin Granite


The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Austria, H.E. Ms. Mikaela Kumlin Granite presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
November 7, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Austria: H.E. Ms. Natasha Meli Daudey


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to Austria, H.E. Ms. Natasha Meli Daudey presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg. She is also the Permanent Representative of Malta to the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe, to the United Nations and to the International Organisations based in Vienna.
November 7, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria: H.E. Mr. Kemal Kozarić


The new Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria, H.E. Mr. Kemal Kozarić presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
November 7, 2018



Meet the New USA Ambassador to the International Organizations in Vienna (United Nations, IAEA, CTBTO) - Jackie Wolcott


Jackie Wolcott, of Virginia, is the new Representative of the United States to the Vienna Office of the United Nations, the new Representative of the United States of America to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the new Representative of the United States of America to the CTBTO Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, with the Rank of Ambassador.
November 2, 2018 · Updated: November 7, 2018; 13:00


Western Balkans - No Reconciliation in Kosovo Conflict

Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz visited Serbia and Kosovo during a trip to the Western Balkans. Since the last clash between the two heads of state Vučić and Thaçi in September, the talks have been suspended there. The EU should continue to support the search for a solution to the Kosovo conflict.
November 7, 2018



New Ambassador of Peru Also Accredited by Austrian Federal President


In the meantime, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Austria, H.E. Mr. Eric Anderson Machado, has handed over his credentials to Federal President Van der Bellen at the Vienna Hofburg.
November 7, 2018


Japan and Austria are Preparing for Celebrations of 150 Years of Diplomatic Relations

In 2019, Japan and Austria will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. As part of the preparations for the celebrations, an increasing number of meetings and consultations are currently taking place between the two countries.
November 2, 2018


Setback for the UN - Austria Won't Sign Global Migration Pact

Austria will follow the US and Hungary in backing out of a United Nations pact on migration (Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration) over concerns that it will blur the line between illegal and legal migration.
October 31, 2018


What We Can Learn From War

The aim of a special exhibition on "war. tracing an evolution" at the Natural History Museum (NHM - Naturhistorischen Museums Wien) is to make the phenomenon of "war" tangible on the basis of historical evidence. The big questions "Does man learn from his history?", "What is aggression?", "Since when has war existed?" and "Is war inevitable because it is human?" are to be answered.
October 31, 2018



Japan-Austria Relations - Kurz Met Shinzo Abe


During the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz met for bilateral talks. The meeting focused on the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Austria next year, the new tax convention between Japan and Austria, the Japan-European Union (EU) relations and the situation in North Korea.
October 30, 2018


Eurasian Economic Union vs. European Union - Perspectives and Limits

At Lansky, Ganzger + Partner, at the meeting room of the Austrian-Kazakh Society (ÖKG - Österreichisch-Kasachische Gesellschaft), a number of prominent participants met for a panel discussion to explore the relationship between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU, EEU), to which Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia belong, and the European Union (EU) entitled "The Eurasian Economic Union and the EU - Perspectives and Limits of a Partnership". The conference was hosted by the Research Centre for Eurasian Studies (EURAS), the Austrian-Kazakh Society (ÖKG - Österreichisch-Kasachische Gesellschaft) and the Austrian-Belarusian Society (ÖWG - Österreichisch-Weißrussische Gesellschaft).
October 30, 2018


China, the Rising Great Power of the 21st Century and the Austrians

At the Kreisky Forum, Austrian China experts (Schweisgut, Löw, Giner-Reichl, Witt-Löw) discussed the rising great power of the 21st century.
October 22, 2018



Khashoggi Case: Austria Increases Pressure on Saudi Arabia


The Austrian Foreign Ministry is now having the legal status of the controversial King Abdullah Centre (KAICIID) reviewed. The Centre has been criticised by representatives of civil society who are concerned with Saudi Arabia's poor human-rights record in fears that the KAICIID would in fact be misused by founding member and chief financier Saudi Arabia as a bridge-head for spreading Wahhabism in Austria and Europe.
October 22, 2018


Ambassador Traina on Trade-War: "Donald Trump is Europe's Greatest Hope"

In an interview with the trend-magazine the US ambassador in Vienna, Trevor Traina, warns of the Chinese, and that the theft of intellectual property could also happen to Europe's key industries. Donald Trump's unpredictability is therefore "Europe's greatest hope" to avert such a scenario in time.
October 19, 2018


Kazakhstan and Austria Reinforce Reciprocal Extradition and Legal Assistance

During a visit to Vienna, Kazakh Attorney General Kairat Kozhamzharov was received by Josef Moser, Federal Minister for Reforms and Justice. A joint declaration was signed. The talks focused on Kazakhstan's multilateral efforts, current affairs, mutual extradition and mutual legal assistance with Kazakhstan.
October 19, 2018



The Western Balkans: Resolving Outstanding Issues between Belgrade and Pristina Prerequisite for Serbia's Accession to the EU


As international and local pressure mounts on Belgrade and Pristina to define their relations with an agreement on normalization, the official Austrian visit to the Republic of Serbia as part of an economic and cultural delegation headed by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen focused on bilateral economic relations, Serbia's EU perspective and the Belgrade-Priština Dialogue.
October 18, 2018



Vietnam to Strengthen Relations with Austria and the EU


The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc pays a visit to Vienna in the run-up to the Brussels ASEM Summit between the EU and Asian states.
October 16, 2018


Meet the New Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the International Organizations in Vienna - Jugoslav Jovičić

The new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary at the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, OSCE and IAEA, Jugoslav Jovičić, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the UNOV United Nations Office at Vienna, Yury Fedotov, and to Mikhail Chudakov, IAEA Acting Director General, and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy at the IAEA headquarters.
October 16, 2018



Israeli President Reuven Rivlin in Vienna


Israeli President Reuven Rivlin met Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen during a stopover in Vienna. Bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East were discussed.
October 12, 2018


Official Visit of the Belgian Royal Couple to Vienna

Belgian King Philippe and his wife Mathilde paid a visit to Austria on the occasion of the opening of the Pieter Bruegel the Elder exhibition (Vindobona reported). In addition to the opening in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the programme included receptions with Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Mayor Michael Ludwig, as well as a visit to the National Library. For the royal couple this is their first official visit to Austria since their accession to the throne.
October 3, 2018


Israel - Austria Relations: Lifting of Sanctions Against Kneissl is Nearing

According to information in the daily newspapers "Die Presse" and "Der Standard" on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Israel plans to lift its ban on contacts with Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl. Netanyahu ordered Israeli authorities in December 2017 to refrain from contacts with FPÖ ministers. Although Kneissl is not a party member, she has been nominated by the Austrian Freedom Party FPÖ. However, the official Israeli contact ban will continue to apply to FPÖ government members.
September 26, 2018


Nuclear Controversy: Iran Seeking Austria's Support

Austria's EU Presidency, the future of the nuclear agreement and the desire to strengthen bilateral economic and cultural exchange were the focus of a visit by Iranian parliamentarians to the Austrian Parliament.
September 25, 2018


League of Arab States: Meet Mohamed Samir Koubaa the Head of the Permanent Observer Mission in Vienna

The Tunisian and new Head of the Permanent Observer Mission for the League of Arab States to the United Nations (Vienna), Mohamed Samir Koubaa, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov.
September 21, 2018


International Day of Peace 2018: Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace. This year's Peace Day celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Join with people from the international community in Vienna by observing the International Day of Peace!
September 20, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Austria: H.E. Mrs. Leena Al-Hadid


The new Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Austria, H.E. Mrs. Leena Al-Hadid presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 19, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Austria: H.E. Mr. René Dinesen


The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Austria, H.E. Mr. René Dinesen presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 19, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Austria: H.E. Mr. Toomas Kukk


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Toomas Kukk presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 19, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to Austria: H.E. Mrs. Gloria Navarrete Pinto


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to Austria, H.E. Mrs. Gloria Navarrete Pinto presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 19, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Austria: H.E. Mr. Miguel Camilo Ruiz Blanco


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Miguel Camilo Ruiz Blanco presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 19, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Austria: H.E. Mr. Nebojša Rodic


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Nebojša Rodic presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 19, 2018


Embassy and Permanent Mission of Nepal in Vienna, Austria

The Embassy and Permanent Mission of Nepal in Vienna's 4th district was opened in November 2017. In addition to serving as the residential Embassy of Nepal to the Republic of Austria, it is also concurrently accredited to Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovenia.
September 19, 2018



Expansion of Nepal-Austria Relations Beyond Mountaineering


Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali paid a working visit to Austria. The visit focused on bilateral relations and the opening of the embassy in November last year.
September 19, 2018


IAEA Member States Discuss Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technologies

Representatives from the IAEA’s Member States, including at ministerial level and above, are convening at the 62nd IAEA General Conference in Vienna this week to discuss key elements of the Agency’s priorities in its work on the peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
September 18, 2018


Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vienna Surprisingly Recalled

Sri Lanka's President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena has recalled his ambassador to Austria, Mrs. Priyanee Wijesekera. The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry has confirmed this, but has not given any official reason for the recall.
September 17, 2018 · Updated: September 18, 2018; 09:01



Meet the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Austria: H.E. Mr. Ghislain D’Hoop


Ambassador Ghislain D’Hoop is officially the new Permanent Representative of Belgium to the international organizations in Vienna. He already presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov, to the Deputy Director-General of the IAEA, Aldo Malavasi, to the General Secretary of the CTBTO, Lassina Zerbo and to Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.
September 14, 2018 · Updated: September 17, 2018; 14:00


Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Austria: H.E. Mr. Eric Anderson Machado

The new Ambassador of Peru to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Eric Anderson Machado, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov and to Aldo Malavasi, IAEA Acting Director General, and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the IAEA. His presentation to Austrian Federal President Van der Bellen is still on the agenda.
September 17, 2018


Timothy Snyder Opens 3rd Vienna Humanities Festival "Power & Powerlessness"

From 27 to 30 September, the third Vienna Humanities Festival will once again bring together leading figures from science, art and culture in an "urban salon" lasting several days. Around 40 events will be held themed "Power & Powerlessness" to discuss the major issues of our time.
September 14, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to Austria: H.E. Ms. Athalia Lesiba Molokomme


The new Boswanese Ambassador to Austria, H.E. Ms. Athalia Lesiba Molokomme presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 5, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Austria: H.E. Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan


The new Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Mansoor Ahmad Khan presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 5, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Austria: H.E. Ms. Elena Rafti


The new Cypriot Ambassador to Austria Elena Rafti presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
September 5, 2018


Review of the State Visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Austria

After the visit in March 2016, which was cancelled at short notice, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was on a state visit to Vienna this week, accompanied by massive anti-Iran protests. The aim of the visit was a joint commitment to the Iran nuclear deal after the deal was approved in Vienna three years ago. The visit was overshadowed by a diplomatic case involving an employee of the Iranian embassy in Vienna, who had been arrested last weekend by the German judicial authorities on the basis of a European arrest warrant on suspicion of terrorism.
July 5, 2018


Nuclear Deal: Iranian President Rouhani Lobbies for Austria

The Federal Chancellery has now officially confirmed that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will come to Vienna on 4 July for an official visit. Of course, the visit is mainly about the nuclear deal. After the USA's exit, there is considerable pressure on Rouhani.
June 19, 2018



Love, Respect and Solidarity: "Diplomats for Equality" and "Vindobona.org" Support Vienna Pride 2018


The festival "Vienna Pride" is a two-week event of the LGBTI community with the highlight of the Vienna Pride March (Rainbow Parade) on 16 June 2018 and intends to promote human rights for everybody and achieve equality for LGBTI persons. More than 30 Vienna-based embassies and diplomatic missions have come together under the banner "Diplomats for Equality" to support this initiative. Vindobona.org also supports a worldwide non-discriminatory society.
May 31, 2018


Van der Bellen in Estonia: Child of Refugees Back in the Motherland of Parents

Austrian Federal President Van der Bellen is on an official visit to the Estonian capital Tallinn. As a child of Russian-Estonian refugees born in Vienna, some melancholic emotions cannot be excluded.
May 30, 2018


Hassan Rouhani Expected in Vienna in Early July

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (حسن روحانی) will meet his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna on 4 July according to media reports.
May 30, 2018


Migration Policy Agency Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Welcomes New Members Malta and Turkey

With Malta and Turkey both joining Vienna based ICMPD in May, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development welcomes two new Member States. ICMPD has now 17 Member States all across Europe. In 2018 ICMPD is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding and is looking into the future to try to see what it may hold in terms of migration and mobility of people.
May 29, 2018



Trevor Traina Accredited as New US Ambassador in Vienna


The new US Ambassador to Austria Trevor Traina presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
May 25, 2018


Who is Johannes Peterlik, Secretary General Designate at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

The current Deputy Head of Section V for Cultural Foreign Relations of the BMEIA Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dr. Johannes Peterlik will take over the function of Secretary General for Foreign Affairs on 1 June 2018. The current Secretary General Dr. Michael Linhart becomes Ambassador in Paris.
May 25, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to Austria: H.E. Ms. Annabella Guardia Escoffery de Rubinoff


The new Panamanian Ambassador to Austria Annabella Guardia Escoffery de Rubinoff presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
May 24, 2018