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Latest Headlines about Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Vienna
Read the latest headlines about developments at foreign diplomatic missions (embassies, consulates, etc.) in Vienna and Austria


Suspected Espionage at the Heart of Diplomacy: Swiss Colonel of the OSCE Delegation Withdrawn

A high-ranking Swiss military officer has been recalled from his post at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. The reason is a serious suspicion of passing information to Russian authorities. The affair has rocked Swiss diplomacy at a politically sensitive time, as Switzerland prepares to take over the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2026. The military justice system has launched an investigation to clarify the scope of the case.
August 12, 2025


Celebration of the 98th Anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Chinese Embassy in Vienna

A formal reception was held in Vienna to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy, brought together Ambassador Qi Mei and Defense Attaché Ji Xinqi, as well as high-ranking Austrian generals and guests from various sectors of society.
August 10, 2025


Chinese Ambassador QI Mei Strengthens Relations During Working Visit to Salzburg

China's ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, used the Salzburg Festival as an opportunity to strengthen relations between China and Austria. She paid an official working visit to the province of Salzburg, which was marked by political exchange, cultural diplomacy, and economic cooperation.
August 3, 2025


Austria's EU Ambassador Resigns After Rumors of Sexist Blog

The highest-ranking Austrian diplomat in Brussels, Thomas Oberreiter, has unexpectedly resigned from his post as Permanent Representative to the European Union. The reason for this is rumours about an explicit blog attributed to him. The diplomat denies the allegations but resigned to prevent damage to the Republic.
July 31, 2025


Uganda Opens New Vienna Mission to Power Nuclear Energy Ambitions

Uganda has strengthened its commitment to nuclear energy development with the establishment of a new diplomatic mission in Vienna. This strategic move is primarily aimed at enhancing collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Uganda accelerates its efforts to harness nuclear power for domestic electricity generation.
July 24, 2025


North Korea Appoints New Ambassador to Austria

North Korea has reportedly named veteran diplomat Kyong Hak Min as its new ambassador to Austria, a move that could see him also represent Pyongyang at international organizations in Vienna.
July 22, 2025


Andranik Hovhannisyan as Armenian Ambassador to Austria

His Excellency Andranik Hovhannisyan has been the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of Austria for some time now. With an impressive career in the Armenian diplomatic service, Hovhannisyan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
July 17, 2025


Myanmar Takes Over Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Vienna

Myanmar has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Vienna (ACV). Ambassador Min Thein of Myanmar has pledged to continue ongoing initiatives and further strengthen the unity and commitment of the diplomatic missions of the ASEAN countries in Vienna. The handover took place during the 63rd meeting of the committee, which was chaired by Laos' chargé d'affaires in Austria, Viengxay Thammavong.
July 15, 2025


Patrick Lobis Head of the EU Commission Representation in Austria

The European Commission has, for a while since handed over the management of its representation in Austria to Patrick Lobis. As the official representative of the European Commission in Austria, Lobis reports directly to President Ursula von der Leyen.
July 14, 2025


Vienna Trilogue on the Future of the Middle East Launched: Vienna Becomes Hub for Peace Efforts

In a significant diplomatic move, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger welcomed her counterparts from Germany, Johann Wadephul, and Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, for groundbreaking talks on the future of the Middle East. The meeting, which serves as the kick-off for a now regular “Vienna Trilogue,” focused on urgent efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population, and Iran's nuclear program.
July 10, 2025


Chinese Embassy Hosts Traditional Summer Festival for China Alumni in Austria

The Chinese Embassy in Austria hosted its annual summer party for China-Alumni. Around 100 guests from various professional fields attended the event, which celebrated the deep ties and cultural exchange between China and Austria.
July 10, 2025


U.S. Independence Day in Vienna: A Celebrations of Friendship and 250 Years of Diplomacy

During this year's celebrations of the United States' Independence Day in Vienna, Chargé d'Affaires Kami Witmer emphasized the outstanding partnership between the U.S. and Austria. This celebration, which took place in the run-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States next year, highlighted the deep historical ties and continued cooperation between the two nations.
July 7, 2025


Austrian Forum for Peace 2025: Peace Work in Times of Crisis, New Approaches, and the Role of Europe

This year's Austrian Forum for Peace 2025, themed “Peace in Crisis,” has come to a successful conclusion at Friedensburg Schlaining. The four-day international conference organized by the Austrian Center for Peace (ACP) brought together over 200 experts, diplomats, scientists, and representatives of international organizations from more than 25 countries to discuss pressing issues of peace work in an increasingly fragmented world.
July 4, 2025


Ban Ki-moon Praises Vienna and Reaffirms its Leading Role in Multilateralism

During a visit to Vienna, former United Nations Secretary-General and Co-Chair of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC), Ban Ki-moon, praised Austria and the city of Vienna for their leading role in the field of multilateralism. At a time of increasing geopolitical tensions, he emphasized the crucial importance of international cooperation.
July 3, 2025



Austria's Meinl-Reisinger Intensifies Middle East Diplomacy and Calls for De-Escalation and Two-State Solution


Austria has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East over the last few days, while also massively increasing its humanitarian support for the suffering civilian population in Gaza. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) completed a trip lasting several days that took her to Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Ramallah in the Palestinian territories to promote de-escalation, a ceasefire, and a sustainable two-state solution.
July 3, 2025


Chinese Ambassador QI Mei emphasizes the Role of Chinese companies in Austria

Ambassador QI Mei, China's diplomatic representative in Austria, emphasized the importance of the Chinese business community in deepening bilateral economic relations with Austria. Central to this was her participation in the 2025 annual meeting of the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Austria, which focused on close cooperation and commitment to joint development.
July 2, 2025


Iran Threatens to Suspend Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute Feared

The Iranian parliament has passed a bill that would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). If the Guardian Council and the Security Council approve the bill, it would further escalate the already tense nuclear dispute and significantly hamper international efforts to ensure transparency in Iran's nuclear program.
June 25, 2025

Austria Relocates Embassy from Tehran to Baku
The Austrian Embassy in the Iranian capital, Tehran, has been temporarily relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, due to security concerns. This was announced by the Austrian Foreign Ministry in a statement. The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of embassy staff. At the same time, the ministry assures that there are still ways for Austrians to leave Iran.
June 24, 2025


Austrian Chancellory Reaffirms its Commitment to the Rule of Law and Multilateralism

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, together with Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Minister for Europe and Family Affairs Claudia Plakolm, invited the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations to a reception at the Federal Chancellery. The reception, which took place exactly three months after the government took office, emphasized the central role of diplomacy and dialogue in an increasingly uncertain world.
June 18, 2025


Sara James Concert Concludes the Cultural Program of the Polish Embassy in Vienna

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Austria, in cooperation with the Polish Institute in Vienna, organized an extraordinary concert by Sara James to mark the conclusion of the cultural program within the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
June 10, 2025


Austria Designates Special Envoys for Austrian Candidacy for the United Nations Security Council

For quite some time now, the new federal government has pursued a more active role in international diplomacy, and a defined goal is a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28. Being elected requires a two-thirds majority vote from the United Nations General Assembly, and therefore, the federal government designated special envoys to advocate for Austria.
June 8, 2025


“Tea for Harmony” in Vienna: Chinese Embassy Invites Guests to Intercultural Tea Salon

The elegant premises of the Chinese Embassy hosted the “Tea for Harmony" Yaji Cultural Salon on International Tea Day. Around 50 guests from the worlds of politics, business, science, and culture enjoyed an evening dedicated to the millennia-old Chinese tea culture—a symbol of harmony, modesty, and exchange between civilizations.
May 29, 2025


Meet Khadra Ahmed Dualeh, Somalia's New Ambassador in Vienna

Khadra Ahmed Dualeh presented her credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). She takes office as the new Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations in Vienna and at the same time assumes the office of Ambassador for Austria and Switzerland.
May 26, 2025


Meet the New Georgian Ambassador Alexander Maisuradze in Vienna

Alexander Maisuradze is the new Ambassador of Georgia to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative of his country to the international organizations in Vienna. The experienced diplomat formally presented his credentials to the Austrian president and several leading representatives of multilateral diplomacy in the Austrian capital.
May 19, 2025

Commemoration, History and Geopolitics: Russia Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Vienna
The Russian Federation commemorated Austria's liberation from National Socialism in 1945 with a series of ceremonial events in Vienna and several Lower Austrian cities, focusing on the 80th anniversary of the capture of Vienna by the Red Army, which had made a significant contribution to the defeat of the Nazi regime. The Embassy of the Russian Federation used the occasion to celebrate historical commemoration on the one hand, but also to anchor its foreign policy narrative in the present.
May 15, 2025


Meet Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Vienna's diplomatic stage has a new prominent representative: Her Excellency Pattarat Hongtong has been Thailand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna for some time now.
May 13, 2025


Spain Ends Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation: Focus on Dialogue and Rule of Law

Spain ended its chairmanship under the most difficult of circumstances. When Spain took over the chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in January, the security situation in Europe was more tense than ever. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has now been raging for more than three years, trust between states is crumbling, military threats are increasing, and many international forums appear paralysed.
May 12, 2025

EU Ambassadors Meet Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger at the Polish Embassy in Vienna
The ambassadors of the EU member states gathered at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vienna for a meeting in the HoMs format with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The meeting focused on the foreign policy priorities of Austria's new tripartite government and current security policy challenges in Europe.
May 11, 2025


Reza Najafi Returned to Vienna as Iran's Permanent Representative

The Islamic Republic of Iran has sent a clear signal of continuity and diplomatic professionalism with Reza Najafi's return as its new Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. Not so long ago, His Excellency presented his credentials to Ghada Waly, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), marking the second time he has assumed this key diplomatic post at a time when the future of the international nuclear agreement (JCPOA) is once again at a diplomatic crossroads.
May 6, 2025


Vienna Welcomes Sainer's Vibrant 'Kolorganism' Exhibition at Künstlerhaus with the Support of the Polish Embassy

Venna’s historic Künstlerhaus became the stage for a striking encounter with contemporary art as it hosted the vernissage of Kolorganism, the latest exhibition by Polish artist Przemysław Blejzyk, widely known by his artistic moniker, Sainer. Organized as part of the International Cultural Programme accompanying Poland’s 2025 EU Council Presidency, the event drew a full house of art lovers, cultural figures, politicians, and diplomats, all eager to immerse themselves in Sainer’s colorful world.
April 28, 2025


Strengthening the Economic Bridge Between China and Austria at the 15th Investment Seminar in Vienna

The 15th seminar on “Austria as an investment location” took place in the Austrian capital in the context of growing economic ties between China and Europe. The event was organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Vienna, under the direction of Ambassador Qi Mei. The high-caliber event brought together representatives from Austrian federal authorities, economic institutions, and federal states as well as numerous executives from Chinese companies operating in Austria.
April 21, 2025


Meet Egypt's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna

Meet Mohamed Ibrahim Nasr Salem, Egypt's new Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna.
April 10, 2025


China's Ambassador QI Mei in Dialogue with Austrian Parliamentary Leadership

The Chinese Ambassador to Austria, QI Mei, held important diplomatic talks with leading representatives of the Austrian Parliament to further deepen bilateral relations between China and Austria. Within a few days, the Ambassador held talks with the two top representatives of the Austrian legislature - National Council President Dr. Walter Rosenkranz and Federal Council President Dr. Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler.
April 6, 2025


New UN Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler: An Experienced Diplomat for Austria's Voice in New York

Gregor W. Kössler, Austria's new Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Meet Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler, Austria's top diplomat in New York City.
April 2, 2025


Hope for De-escalation: Iran and IAEA Continued Talks on Nuclear Program

A new attempt to revive cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gives cause for hope. A meeting in Vienna between IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi marks a potential turning point in an increasingly tense geopolitical conflict over Iran's nuclear program.
March 31, 2025


Austria Wants to Join the UN Security Council: Meinl-Reisinger Launches Campaign in New York

Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) has launched the official campaign for Austria's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027/28 in New York. She used emphatic words to call for the preservation of the rules-based international order and campaigned for Austria's renewed entry into the most powerful body of the United Nations.
March 26, 2025


Meet Andrew Williams: New Zealand's New Top Diplomat in Austria

Andrew Williams took up his post as New Zealand's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Presentative to the International Organization in Vienna. His impressive career in the diplomatic service and his expertise in international law make him a prominent figure on the international stage.
March 20, 2025


Meet Vietnam's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna

Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang takes office as Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to Austria. His diplomatic career demonstrates extensive experience in international relations, strategic diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. Meet Vietnam's top diplomat in Vienna.
March 14, 2025


Meet Japan's Ambassador to the Republic of Austria

Iwama Kiminori has been serving as Japan's Ambassador to Austria for some time. With an impressive diplomatic career and extensive international experience, he aims to further expand and deepen the traditionally good relations between Japan and Austria. Meet Ambassador Iwama Kiminori, the top diplomat of Japan in Vienna.
March 13, 2025


Sweden Takes Over Chairmanship of ICMPD: New Impetus for European Migration Policy

The Kingdom of Sweden has officially taken over the chairmanship of the steering group of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for the year 2025. The handover ceremony occurred at the Swedish Permanent Representation in Brussels, where Migration Minister Johan Forssell took over from Greece. Sweden will play a central role in shaping European migration policy by assuming the presidency.
March 12, 2025


Meet Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna

The new Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations in Vienna, Yurii Vitrenko, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Yurii Vitrenko, the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the International Organizations in Vienna.
March 11, 2025


Russian Ambassador Lyubinsky Sharply Criticizes Austria

The Russian Ambassador to Austria, Dmitry Lyubinsky, delivered a speech before the members of the "Society for Friendship with Austria" (ROO). The event, originally intended to promote cultural and civil society exchange, turned into a sharp political reckoning with the Austrian government.
March 11, 2025


Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Austria

With the appointment of Dr. Gürsel Dönmez as the new Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Austria, an experienced political associate of Erdogan takes up his post in Vienna. He presented his credentials to Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and officially began his mission in Austria.
March 6, 2025


EU Foreign Affairs Council: Schallenberg Addresses Ukraine and Global Challenges

Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg joined his EU counterparts at the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine, assessing developments in the Middle East, and reviewing strategies for stability in Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
February 24, 2025


A Sign of Friendship: The New Year's Meeting of the Austrian-Polish Society in Vienna

Bilateral relations between Austria and Poland are an important pillar of European cooperation and thrive not only through diplomatic meetings, but also through cultural and scientific exchange. The New Year's meeting of the Austrian-Polish Society in Vienna was an impressive example of how tradition and a vision for the future come together in a festive setting.
February 6, 2025


Austria's Federal President Van der Bellen Calls on Diplomacy for Unity

In his traditional speech at the New Year's reception for the diplomatic corps in Vienna's Hofburg, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the challenges of the current global situation. He emphasized the need for closer international cooperation, warned against increasing disinformation, and called for greater efforts to combat the climate crisis.
February 5, 2025


Poland Takes Over EU Council Presidency: Ceremonial Opening by Polish Embassy in Vienna

The Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union was ceremoniously opened in the magnificent ballroom of Vienna City Hall by the Polish Embassy in Vienna. Around 180 high-ranking guests from politics, diplomacy, business, and society took part in the festive event, which marked a symbolic start to Poland's six-month term at the head of the Council of the European Union.
February 2, 2025


Austria's Foreign Minister Schallenberg Awarded “Arms Control Person of the Year”

A significant success for international diplomacy: Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and the Austrian Foreign Ministry have been named “Arms Control Person of the Year” in 2024 by the renowned US Arms Control Association (ACA). This prestigious award recognizes the special commitment of Schallenberg and his team to the regulation of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) as well as the organization of the Vienna conference “Humanity at the Crossroads: Autonomous Weapons Systems and the Challenge of Regulation”.
January 15, 2025


Austria and Ukraine Deepen Partnership in Culture, Education and Science

Ambassador Christoph Thun-Hohenstein, Head of the Section for Foreign Culture at the Austrian Foreign Ministry, and Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Khymynets sealed a forward-looking agreement with a handshake. For the first time, a comprehensive bilateral work program for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, and science was adopted. At a time of geopolitical challenges, this initiative is an important signal of solidarity and the common will to shape the future.
January 15, 2025


OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu Travels to Helsinki for His First Official Visit

The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, is expected to make his first official visit to the Finnish capital Helsinki on 16 January 2025. The visit marks an important stage in his still young term of office, which he took up in December 2024. In addition to talks with high-ranking Finnish politicians and diplomats, the focus will be on security policy issues, which are urgent in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
January 15, 2025