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Vienna International Community - Top Diplomats - Latest Headlines
Read updated news about key diplomats in Vienna's international community,e.g. changes in diplomatic personnel in Austria & at Austrian representations abroad
OPEC Celebrates 64 Years of Shaping the Global Oil Industry
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) marked a significant milestone this September as it celebrated its 64th anniversary. For more than six decades, OPEC has played a crucial role in stabilizing the global oil market, fostering international cooperation, and championing the sovereignty of oil-producing nations over their natural resources.
Yesterday
Japan's Rohto Pharmaceutical Invests in Austrian Sigmapharm
In a move to enhance pharmaceutical production in Europe, Japan’s Rohto Pharmaceutical has entered into a strategic partnership with the Austrian Sigmapharm Group. The collaboration aims to expand the production and distribution of ophthalmic drugs and medical products across Europe, with Rohto Pharmaceutical investing nearly €30 million in research, development, production, and sales.
September 18, 2024
OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum 2024: Focus on Digitalization and Climate Protection
The 31st OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum at the Czernin Palace in Prague focused on the global challenges posed by digital transformation and climate change. Under the theme “Strengthening security and stability in the OSCE area through digital innovation”, the risks and opportunities arising from technological change and climate adaptation were discussed in depth. The forum brought together high-level representatives from governments, international organizations, academia, business, and civil society to debate innovative approaches and policy solutions.
September 17, 2024
IAEA Holds 68th General Assembly in Vienna
The 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna has begun, providing an important platform for exchanges between member states on nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and sustainable development. In addition to discussing global issues of nuclear safety and climate change, numerous heads of state and government are taking the opportunity to hold bilateral talks.
September 17, 2024
Austria Opens Embassy in Ghana: Strengthening Relations, Promoting Security and Economic Potential
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg traveled to the Ghanaian capital Accra to open the new Austrian embassy and deepen bilateral relations between Austria and Ghana. In addition to the opening ceremony, the agenda included meetings with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, and representatives from both countries' business and cultural sectors.
September 15, 2024
Arab Diplomats Visit Burgenland to Promote Renewable Energies
In a major initiative to strengthen bilateral relations between Austria and the Arab world, the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) together with Energie Burgenland welcomed a high-ranking delegation of Arab ambassadors and diplomats to Burgenland. The focus of the event was on progress in the field of renewable energies and sustainable development.
September 15, 2024
China Ambassador to Austria Qi Mei in the “Press Salon” of the Austrian Journalists' Club
China's Ambassador Qi Mei was a guest at the “Press Salon” event at the invitation of the Austrian Journalists' Club (ÖJC). In the presence of journalists from well-known media such as “Der Standard” and ORF, Qi Mei took the opportunity to talk about China's current economic and political developments as well as relations with Austria.
September 12, 2024
Vienna to Become a Center for Financial Technology: AFT 2024 International Conference
Vienna will once again become the international hub for innovative financial technologies in September 2024. From September 23 to 25, 2024, the sixth edition of the Advances in Financial Technologies (AFT) conference will take place at the Austrian National Bank (OeNB).
September 11, 2024
Fighting Hunger with Innovation: Kofi Annan Award for Africa
The second presentation of the Kofi Annan Award for Innovation in Africa has now taken place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The award recognizes digital and technological solutions to improve food security and the fight against hunger in Africa. In this edition, the focus was on SDG 2 - “No Hunger”.
September 9, 2024
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ian Borg Ensures Organizational Continuity During Leadership Transition
In the absence of consensus on the appointment of a new leadership for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Chairperson-in-Office, Malta's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Ian Borg, has taken important steps to ensure the Organization's ability to operate during this transitional period.
September 9, 2024
Closing of the European Forum Alpbach 2024: Europe's Future under the Sign of the “Moment of Truth”
The European Forum Alpbach 2024 came to a successful conclusion with a lively discussion between high-ranking representatives of all Austrian parliamentary parties in front of around 500 participants. The final discussion marked the highlight of a two-week forum that once again served as an important platform for European and international dialog.
September 8, 2024
Azerbaijan's Parliamentary Elections: Lack of Competition and Restricted Fundamental Freedoms Draw International Criticism
On 1 September 2024, early parliamentary elections were held in Azerbaijan, which were sharply criticized by international observers from the OSCE. Despite efficient organization, the election was marked by a lack of political competition and an increasingly repressive political climate, which raised doubts about the democratic legitimacy of the entire process.
September 8, 2024
Technology Talks 2024: Vienna as a New Hotspot for Research and Innovation
On September 12 and 13, the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna will be transformed into a center for the latest developments in research, technology and innovation. The Technology Talks Austria 2024 will bring together over 700 experts from science, business and politics to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the so-called “triple transition” - a transformation that encompasses ecological sustainability, digitalization and social justice.
September 5, 2024
From Foreign Minister to Tiger Ambassador: Karin Kneissl's Unusual Career in Russia
Karin Kneissl, the former Austrian Foreign Minister, has taken on a new and, at first glance, unexpected role in Russia: She has been appointed official ambassador for the protection of the endangered Amur tiger. This extraordinary career move shows how deep her connection to Russia, and in particular to Vladimir Putin, has become. Her relationship with Russia and Putin has been at the center of international attention for years and has attracted both admiration and criticism.
September 5, 2024
Austria's Diplomats Meet Up: Ambassadors' Conference 2024 in Vienna
More than 100 Austrian ambassadors, permanent representatives, and consuls general from all over the world have gathered in Vienna for the Foreign Ministry's annual Ambassadors' Conference. The event, which lasts until September 5, offers diplomats a platform to discuss challenges in foreign policy. The focus is particularly on topics such as security, economic and cultural diplomacy as well as strengthening international dialog.
September 4, 2024
UNOOSA and University of Bonn Renew Partnership to Promote Space-Based Disaster Relief
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the University of Bonn have extended their partnership to intensify the use of space technology to tackle growing threats from natural and man-made disasters. The five-year agreement signed in Vienna aims to continue and expand the “Spaceborne Earth Observation Applications for Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction” (SPEAR) project with a focus on Africa.
August 29, 2024
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Iran Summons Austrian Ambassador Over Hezbollah Dispute
In a new diplomatic development, the Iranian government summoned the Austrian Ambassador to Tehran, Wolf Dietrich Heim, to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This move comes in direct response to Austria's earlier summoning of the Iranian Ambassador to Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, following his controversial social media post that included symbols of the Hezbollah militia, which is banned in Austria.
August 28, 2024
European Forum Alpbach Enters Second Week: A Look Back and a Look Forward
The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is entering the second week of its high-caliber discussion rounds. Under the motto “Moment of Truth”, the focus is on Europe's challenges and opportunities. While the first few days of the forum have already set important accents, the coming week promises equally exciting insights and groundbreaking debates.
August 27, 2024
Ukraine's Kursk Offensive: IAEA Concerned About Kursk Nuclear Power Plant
The situation around the Kursk nuclear power plant in the Russian border region continues to deteriorate as fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces intensifies in the immediate vicinity. Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed his deep concern about the extremely dangerous situation during his visit to the power plant on Tuesday.
August 27, 2024
Outrage About Tweet by Iranian Ambassador in Vienna: Call for Summons
A social media posting by the Iranian ambassador in Vienna, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, has caused a considerable political stir. In addition to calls for the Iranian ambassador to be summoned, there have also been calls for further diplomatic consequences.
August 25, 2024
Meet Germany's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna
Rüdiger Bohn, Germany's Permanent Representative, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Ghada Waly. Meet Ambassador Rüdiger Bohn, the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany to the International Organizations in Vienna.
August 20, 2024
OPEC Sees Oil and Electrification as an Inseparable Duo for the Future of Global Energy Supply
In the current debate about the future energy supply, electrification is often portrayed as the big opponent of oil. The increasing pressure to reduce CO2 emissions and make the energy supply more sustainable has led many to view the use of oil as obsolete. But Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), disagrees with this simplistic view and emphasizes the indispensable role that oil and its derivatives play in the global energy landscape.
August 20, 2024
Alpbach: Between Tradition and the Future - the European Forum Alpbach 2024
The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2024. It once again attracted over 4,000 participants to the small Tyrolean mountain village, which became the center of European discourse for two weeks. Under the general theme of “Moment of Truth”, this year's forum focused on the groundbreaking decisions that Europe must make in the face of multiple crises, from climate catastrophes to political tensions.
August 18, 2024
United Nations Finalize Convention Against Cybercrime with the Support of UNODC
After intensive negotiations and several years of work, the member states of the United Nations finalized a new international convention against cybercrime. This convention represents a historic step in the global fight against the growing threats in the digital space.
August 12, 2024
Austria's Progress in Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
As part of the "UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development", Austrian Minister for Europe Karoline Edtstadler presented the second National Implementation Report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The event, which took place in New York, offered Austria the opportunity to present its progress and efforts in the area of sustainable development.
August 5, 2024
AIRPOWER24: Europe's Largest Airshow Takes Off in Zeltweg
On September 6 and 7, 2024, AIRPOWER24, Europe's largest airshow, will take place at Hinterstoisser Air Base in Zeltweg, Styria. The event is accompanied by an extensive program and offers numerous highlights for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
August 4, 2024
European CSDP Offensive: Austrian Handbook Strengthens Security Cooperation in Vietnam
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense has published a handbook on the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since 2009. Due to its success, Austria was asked to make this work available to Asian partner states to promote security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
August 4, 2024
International Headquarters Vienna: Economic Importance and Future Potential
A recently published study by the economic research institute WIFO on behalf of the Austrian Foreign Ministry illustrates the significant financial impact of international organizations in Austria.
July 31, 2024
Austrian Forum for Peace 2024: Insights and Outlook for a Peaceful Future
The Austrian Center for Peace (ACP) presented the results of the second Austrian Forum for Peace, which took place at Friedensburg Schlaining in early July.
July 29, 2024
Algeria, Slovakia and Austria Deepen Economic Relations
A working meeting was held at the Imperial Hotel Vienna, organized by the Algerian Embassy in Austria and Slovakia with the support of the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC).
July 29, 2024
North Macedonia and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Economic Partnership
Austria and North Macedonia have further deepened their close relations in a diplomatic meeting. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and his North Macedonian counterpart Timčo Mucunski met in Vienna to discuss various topics, including economic cooperation, migration, security, and EU enlargement.
July 28, 2024
Salzburg Summit: Europe's Challenge in the Global Economy
The Salzburg Summit 2024 provided a platform for discussions on the pressing economic and political challenges facing Europe. One of the central debates revolved around the tense relationship with the major economic power China and the resulting impact on European competitiveness.
July 25, 2024
Austria Calls for a Reorientation of EU Policy Towards Syria
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg is calling for a fundamental reorientation of EU policy towards Syria and is receiving support from seven of his EU colleagues from Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
July 23, 2024
North Korean Agents in Vienna: A Network of Espionage and Currency Procurement
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is not only known for its high quality of life and cultural diversity but also conceals a network of espionage and illegal activities that extends to North Korea. New revelations shed light on the covert operations of the Kim regime, which cleverly uses its presence in Vienna to procure foreign currency and gather knowledge for nuclear armament.
July 11, 2024
Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg Opposes Boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg has firmly opposed a boycott of Hungary's EU Presidency, despite the controversial solo actions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who recently traveled to Moscow without an EU mandate. Schallenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional working relationship within the EU.
July 10, 2024
Fights Over Women's and LGBTQI+ Rights at the United Nations
The UN Human Rights Council is currently engaged in heated discussions over the formulation of resolutions concerning the protection of women and LGBTQI+ persons. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian, Volker Türk, expressed his deep concern that established rights are increasingly being called into question.
July 7, 2024
Indonesian Foreign Minister in Vienna For Ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and Recognition of Palestine
During her visit to Vienna, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Dr. Robert Floyd, and her Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg. Ms. Marsudi's agenda included supporting the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and strengthening bilateral relations with Austria.
July 4, 2024 · Updated: July 5, 2024; 15:21
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Vienna on Close Economic Relations
Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg welcomed his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf to Vienna for a working visit. During the talks between the two foreign ministers, particular attention was paid to the joint fight against illegal migration and the expansion of economic cooperation, especially in the field of green hydrogen.
July 4, 2024
OSCE Chairman Ian Borg Concludes Central Asia Trip: Focus on Regional Cooperation and Security
In an intensive diplomatic mission, the Chairman of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) and Maltese Foreign and European Affairs Minister Ian Borg visited the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The trip aimed to strengthen cooperation and emphasize the role of the OSCE in tackling regional security challenges.
July 4, 2024
Salzburg Forum Ministerial Conference 2024: ICMPD at the Center of Efforts against Migration and Human Trafficking
The ministerial conference of the "Forum Salzburg" in Laxenburg took place under the leadership of the Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner. It attracted high-ranking representatives from the Forum's member states as well as the EU Commission and various regional and EU agencies. Discussions focused on topics such as asylum and migration, the fight against people smuggling, and measures against extremism and terrorism.
July 2, 2024
25 Years of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo: An Anniversary of Success and Cooperation
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo celebrates its 25th anniversary and looks back on a quarter of a century of intensive and successful work in the service of peace, democracy, and human rights.
July 1, 2024
OSCE and OIC Intensify Cooperation: High Commissioner on National Minorities Visits Jeddah
The High Commissioner on National Minorities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Kairat Abdrakhmanov, met with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, and members of his cabinet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The meeting aimed to discuss concrete ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest.
July 1, 2024
Kuwaiti Ambassador Talal Alfassam Visits Salzburg: Deepening Bilateral Relations and Investment Opportunities
The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) organized the visit of H.E. Talal Alfassam, the Ambassador of Kuwait to Austria, to Salzburg.
June 30, 2024
Malta Launches OSCE Conference on the Security Implications of Climate Change
A high-level conference on climate change was held in the Maltese capital Valletta, organized by the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). This conference aims to examine the security implications of the climate crisis for the OSCE area and to emphasize the urgent need for cooperative efforts to tackle this global challenge.
June 25, 2024
One Year of "Friends of the Western Balkans": A Review of Progress and Challenges
The "Friends of the Western Balkans" initiative celebrated its first birthday under the leadership of Austria's Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Launched a year ago, the group aims to support and accelerate the EU integration process of the Western Balkan countries. The foreign ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia met again in Göttweig to celebrate this milestone, review the past year and discuss future steps.
June 24, 2024
IAEA Chief Grossi Visits Peru: Agreements on Nuclear Technology for Food Security, Mining and Lithium
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, signed agreements with Peruvian Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea to promote nuclear technology use in food security, health, and environmental protection.
June 21, 2024
Intensification of Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Austria: Visit of Popșoi to Vienna
The Foreign Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, is in Vienna to hold important talks with the Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, while the OSCE is holding talks in Chișinău with Moldovan state officials. These visits are part of Popșoi's wider efforts and travels across Europe to intensify cooperation between Moldova and the EU and Moldova's European aspirations.
June 21, 2024
Schwarzenegger's Climate Conference in Vienna: "Austrian World Summit" Calls for Concrete Measures
The "Austrian World Summit" (AWS) took place in Vienna for the eighth time. Host Arnold Schwarzenegger and several prominent guests emphasized the urgency of concrete climate protection measures. Around 700 international visitors, including high-ranking politicians and experts, gathered in the Vienna Hofburg to discuss the future of a clean energy supply and the fight against climate change.
June 20, 2024
Europa-Forum Wachau 2024: A Commitment to the Future of Europe
This year's Wachau European Forum, which traditionally takes place in Göttweig and Krems, opened with the title "Rebooting Europe". The forum focused on key topics such as innovation, research, and health to make Europe fit for the future.
June 20, 2024
25 Years "Partnership for Peace Consortium": Anniversary Celebration and Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
NATO Headquarters in Brussels hosted an important celebration on Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes (PfPC). At the invitation of the German Minister of Defense, high-ranking representatives of the "Stakeholder Nations" came together to pay tribute to the successes and future goals of the consortium.
June 20, 2024
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