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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



Minister of External Affairs of India Sushma Swaraj Met Karin Kneissl


Karin Kneissl, Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs accompanied by senior officials of her Ministry recently visited India. The visit of Minister Kneissl is part of the regular exchange between the two countries. During the visit, Minister Kneissl had a meeting with External Affairs Minister, Smt Sushma Swaraj, in New Delhi.
March 7, 2019



Barnier Meets the Austrian Government - What's the Point of a Brexit Postponement?


The Brussels chief negotiator for the Brexit, Michel Barnier, visited Vienna for talks with Foreign Minister Kneissl, Chancellor Kurz and Chancellery Minister Blümel. The agenda of the meeting included an exchange on the current state of the Brexit negotiations and the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
March 1, 2019


Kneissl in the Eastern South Asia Countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal

Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl's journey through Eastern South Asia took her via Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan to India. The trip focused on bilateral relations between Austria and the individual countries, development cooperation and the expansion of economic activities in the fields of tourism, energy and infrastructure.
February 26, 2019


Meet UNIDO's Director General Li Yong

Li Yong (李勇), born in 1951, is a senior economic and financial policymaker from the People’s Republic of China. He is the current Director General of UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization, based in Vienna, Austria. Previously he served as Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China.
February 22, 2019


Meet the Ambassador of China to Austria: H.E. Li Xiaosi

Ambassador Li Xiaosi (李晓驷) has been Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Austria since 2016. He has been a career diplomat since 1985 with previous oversees posts in Germany and Switzerland. He speaks Mandarin, German and English.
February 20, 2019

Meet the Ambassador of Ukraine to Austria: H.E. Dr. Olexander Scherba
Ambassador Dr. Olexander Scherba has been Ambassador of Ukraine in Austria since November 2014. He has been a career diplomat since 1995 with oversees posts in Germany and the US. Besides Ukrainian and Russian, he speaks German and English.
February 12, 2019


Austrian State Visit to the Mutually Hostile Countries Japan and South Korea

The two East Asian states, South Korea and Japan, which have been enemies for more than 100 years, are visited by Chancellor Kurz as part of the trip to East Asia. The trip is focusing on the economy, digitisation, education and transport. Meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon are held in Seoul and with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
February 11, 2019


Founder of Global Peter Drucker Forum Honored as Excellent Management-Ambassador

Dr. Richard Straub, who resides in Paris for more than two decades, received the Grand Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (Große Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich) at the Austrian Embassy in Paris.
February 5, 2019


EU-Japan Agreement Secures EUR 34 Million in Jobs and Prosperity in Austria

The EU's Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan entered into force on 1 February 2019. For Austria, Japan is by far the second most important market in Asia and the third most important overseas trading partner. About 1000 Austrian exporters are active in Japan, 80 companies have local branches. In 2017 the trade volume reached an all-time high of 3.5 billion euros.
February 4, 2019



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Austria: H.E. Ms. Maria Cleofe Natividad


The new Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Austria Ms. Maria Cleofe Natividad presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2018 · Updated: February 1, 2019; 17:00

Meet the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Austria: H.E. Ms. Talya Lador-Fresher
Ambassador Talya Lador-Fresher has been Ambassador of the State of Israel in Austria since 2015 and is Israel's permanent representative at the International Organizations in Vienna. She once told "The Diplomatic Club", that "It is hard to be a diplomat, it is harder to be an Israeli diplomat and even harder to be an Israeli woman diplomat."
January 30, 2019



Kick-off for the 150th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Austria


This year, Japan and Austria are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This week the kick-off event took place with the Japanese Ambassador in Vienna Kiyoshi Koinuma and the Head of the Section for Foreign Cultural Relations (Sektion V - Kulturelle Auslandsbeziehungen) at the Foreign Ministry, Section Head Ambassador Dr. Teresa Indjein.
January 25, 2019


OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Praises the Role of Austria

"As the home of the OSCE, Austria has always been a strong and generous supporter of our work and has allowed our Organization to conduct its important work," said OSCE PA President Tsereteli.
January 24, 2019

Austria Appoints 15 New Ambassadors to Austrian Embassies Worldwide
Some top positions in the Austrian diplomatic service were awarded this week. The Council of Ministers of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to place new Austrian diplomats at head of following Austrian Embassies worldwide.
January 24, 2019


United Nations - Dr. Alexander Marschik Appointed New Austrian Ambassador to the UN Headquarters in NYC

In the context of an extensive replacement of ambassadors in the Foreign Ministry, Dr. Alexander Marschik was entrusted with the direction of the Austrian Mission to the United Nations in New York City. As a diplomat with 4 years of professional experience in New York, it is a return to familiar parquet.
January 24, 2019


Radio Interview with the Austrian Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Rosie MacLeod spoke to Michael Zimmermann, the new Austrian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, about the presidency and Austria's place within the European Union more generally.
Rosie MacLeod · January 21, 2019


Meet Austria's New Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna: H.E. Ms. Gabriela Sellner

Following her appointment by the Austrian Council of Ministers in April last year, Dr.a Gabriela Sellner has now been accredited as Head of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations (Vienna), IAEA, UNIDO and CTBTO.
January 11, 2019

New Appointments of Austrian Diplomatic Posts Abroad
At its meeting of 25 April 2018, the Austrian Council of Ministers decided to entrust the following Foreign Ministry officials with the direction of Austrian Missions.
April 25, 2018 · Updated: January 11, 2019; 17:15


Carlos Morales Dávila - New Permanent Representative of Nicaragua Presents Credentials

The new Permanent Representative of Nicaragua to the United Nations (Vienna), Carlos Morales Dávila, presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov.
January 11, 2019



Meet the New Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Austria: H.E. Mr. Sherzod Asadov


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Austria, H.E. Mr. Sherzod Asadov presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
November 7, 2018 · Updated: January 11, 2019; 11:00



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Austria: H.E. Mr. Bendikt Ásgeirsson


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Iceland to Austria, H.E. Mr. Bendikt Ásgeirsson presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2019



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Austria: H.E. Mr. Anthony Mukwita


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to Austria, H.E. Mr. Anthony Mukwita presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2019



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Austria: H.E. Ms. Pirkko Mirjami Hämäläinen


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Austria, H.E. Ms. Pirkko Mirjami Hämäläinen presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with her letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2019



Meet the Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Austria: H.E. Mr. Sithong Chitnhothinh


The new Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Austria, H.E. Mr. Sithong Chitnhothinh presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2019



Meet the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Austria: H.E. Mr. Yousuf Ahmed Hamed Aljabri


The new Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Austria, H.E. Mr. Yousuf Ahmed Hamed Aljabri presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
January 9, 2019


Vienna's UNODC Receives EUR 10 Million in Funding Agreements from UK

The United Kingdom and UNODC have signed two new funding agreements with a joint worth of EUR 10.13 million to strengthen UNODC's anti-corruption activities.
January 7, 2019


Global Report on Trafficking in Persons Launched in Vienna

The report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was presented by UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov at a special event of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) with Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl. Drawing on information from 142 countries, the report examines trafficking trends and patterns, and puts the spotlight on human trafficking in armed conflict.
January 7, 2019

Neil Richard Bush Appointed New Head of UK Delegation to the OSCE
The British FCO Foreign & Commonwealth Office has confirmed that Mr. Neil Bush will take over as the new Head of the UK Delegation to the OSCE in Vienna in March 2019. He succeeds Ms. Sian MacLeod OBE, who has held this position since August 2015.
January 7, 2019



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Austria: H.E. Ms. Youngor Sevelee Telewoda


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to Austria, H.E. Ms. Youngor Sevelee Telewoda presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
December 11, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to Austria: H.E. Mr. Retselisitsoe Calvin Masenyetse


The new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to Austria, H.E. Mr. Retselisitsoe Calvin Masenyetse presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
December 10, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Austria: H.E. Mr. Ramses Joseph Cleland


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Austria, H.E. Mr. Ramses Joseph Cleland presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
December 10, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Togolese Republic to Austria: H.E. Mr. Komi Bayédzè Dagoh


The new Ambassador of the Togolese Republic (Togo) to Austria, H.E. Mr. Komi Bayédzè Dagoh presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
December 10, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to Austria: H.E. Mr. Manuel Estuardo Roldán Barillas


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala to Austria: H.E. Mr. Manuel Estuardo Roldán Barillas presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
December 10, 2018



Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Austria: H.E. Mr. Donatas Kušlys


The new Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Austria, H.E. Mr. Donatas Kušlys presented Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
December 10, 2018



Meet the New Ambassador of Georgia to Austria and to the United Nations in Vienna: H.E. Mr. David Dondua


The new Ambassador of Georgia to Austria and to the United Nations in Vienna, H.E. Mr. David Dondua presented the United Nations Office at Vienna's Director-General Yury Fedotov with his letter of accreditation. On 7 December 2018, he presented Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen at the Presidential Chancellery with his letter of credentials.
November 15, 2018 · Updated: December 10, 2018; 19:14



Meet the New Ambassador of Brazil to Austria: H.E. Mr. José Antônio Marcondes de Carvalho


The new Ambassador of Brazil to Austria and to the International Organizations in Vienna, H.E. Mr. José Antônio Marcondes de Carvalho presented his credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Yury Fedotov and to the Director General of UNIDO, Li Yong. On 7 December 2018, he presented Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen at the Presidential Chancellery with his letter of credentials.
November 30, 2018 · Updated: December 10, 2018; 13:10


Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Visits IAEA Laboratories in Seibersdorf

Her Royal Highness Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden visited the laboratories of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Seibersdorf, Austria to understand how nuclear techniques help IAEA Member States with food and agriculture, human health, industrial applications and the environment.
December 4, 2018

Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Austria: H.E. Mr. Kairat Sarybay
H.E. Mr. Kairat Sarybay is the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Austria, Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia and the Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna.
November 30, 2018


Albania and OSCE Establish Cooperation in the Field of Freedom of the Media

The Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and the Vienna based OSCE have agreed on a new co-operation on anti-defamation package and rules for online media to ensure that future legislation is supportive of freedom of expression, media freedom and access to Internet.
November 29, 2018



How to Eliminate Violence against Women?


In context with the UN-sponsored campaign "International Day for the elimination of violence against women", there are various initiatives against violence against women not only at the UN, but also in Brussels and Vienna. Federica Mogherini announced that the EU has decided to allocate an additional €5 million to support the projects of Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Nadia Murad and Dr Denis Mukwege. And the Austrian Foreign Ministry, together with the Austrian Integration Fund, is participating in the campaign "16 days against violence against women".
November 26, 2018



Anti-Semitism Conference in Vienna - Austria to Win Israel's Favor


A high-ranking conference against antisemitism with the motto "Europe beyond Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism - Securing Jewish Life in Europe" took place in Vienna. Participants included Ariel Muzicant, Vice-President of the European Jewish Congress (EJC), Education Minister Heinz Faßmann, EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova, EPP Group Leader Manfred Weber, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Anatoliyovych Klimkin and Chancellor Kurz. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had had to cancel his participation at short notice because of the government crisis in his home country. Likewise not a single official representative of the Austrian Freedom Party was present.
November 22, 2018



The OPEC Fund OFID Has A New Director-General


Saudi Arabian national Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa has taken over the post of Director-General of the OFID (OPEC Fund for International Development) from his predecessor Suleiman J Al-Herbish at the former Palais Deutschmeister at Vienna's Parkring 8. His task is to implement OFID's objective, which is to reinforce financial cooperation between OPEC Member Countries and other developing countries, by providing financial support to the latter for their socioeconomic development.
November 22, 2018


Foreign Minister's Liechtenstein Visit Strengthens Bilateral Relations

Karin Kneissl travelled to Vaduz for a working discussion with her counterpart from Liechtenstein, Aurelia Frick to discuss current developments such as the most recent status of the Brexit negotiations and the cooperation in multilateral matters.
November 22, 2018


Vienna Service Office - Connecting the City of Vienna with UNO CITY for 30 Years

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Service Office in the UNO City, Director General of UNOV, Yury Fedotov and the new Mayor Michael Ludwig confirmed the good and close cooperation between the City of Vienna and the local UN organisations.
November 22, 2018



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



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