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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
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
OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu in Paris on the Role of the OSCE in the European Security Architecture
At a time of growing international tensions, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, concluded an official visit to Paris with talks with France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, on the crisis hotspots around Europe and the role of the OSCE.
July 9, 2025
Meet Asadollah Eschragh Jahromi, Iran's Ambassador in Vienna
H.E. Dr. Asadollah Eschragh Jahromi, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recently presented his credentials to both the Austrian Federal President and the Slovak President, thereby officially commencing his diplomatic missions in both countries.
July 7, 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
Order of Malta Explains the Necessity of Diplomacy in the Service of Humanity
The Sovereign Order of Malta, the world's oldest Catholic lay order, reaffirmed its pivotal role in global humanitarian aid through diplomatic channels at a reception in Vienna. Sebastian Schoenaich-Carolath, Ambassador of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Austria, emphasized the importance of the Order's unique position as a subject of international law in enabling sustainable development and emergency aid in crisis areas.
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 Suspends Cooperation with IAEA: Escalation in Nuclear Dispute after Israel War
Iran has officially suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). President Massoud Peseshkian enacted a law to that effect, which the Iranian parliament had already passed in June. This decision exacerbates the already tense nuclear dispute and follows a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a ceasefire.
July 2, 2025
UNOOSA and Exolaunch Enable Satellite Launches for Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal
In a move to promote equal access to space, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Exolaunch GmbH have announced that institutions from Bolivia, Guatemala, Jordan, and Nepal have been selected to launch their CubeSats.
July 1, 2025
Austria in the Spotlight at the Global Development Finance Conference in Seville
Austria plays a leading role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaffirmed this position at the 4th High-Level United Nations Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which took place in Seville. Secretary General for Foreign Affairs Nikolaus Marschik represented Austria at this important global meeting.
July 1, 2025
Algeria and ICMPD Strengthen Cooperation in the Mediterranean Region
In a step toward deepening migration cooperation in the Mediterranean region, high-level representatives from Algeria and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) reaffirmed their joint determination at a meeting in Malta. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the first project steering committee of the Algerian-ICMPD cooperation, promises to significantly improve migration management capabilities in the region.
June 30, 2025
OSCE Annual Security Review Conference 2025 Calls for Cooperation and European Security
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has concluded its two-day Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) in Vienna. This high-level conference served as a central platform to discuss the current security situation in the OSCE area and to assess the joint efforts of the 57 participating states to promote peace and stability.
June 27, 2025
New UNODC Drug Report Paints Grim Picture of Drug Deaths
Global drug use has reached a new high of 316 million people in 2023, according to the World Drug Report 2025 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The 28 percent increase within a decade shows that consumption is growing faster than the world's population, further exacerbating the global challenges in the fight against the drug problem.
June 26, 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
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
OSCE Secretary General Sinirlioğlu in Oslo: Appeal to Revitalize the “Spirit of Helsinki”
In light of an escalating geopolitical situation and a Europe at war, the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, has concluded his first official visit to Norway. The focus of his visit was participation in an international seminar at the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Sinirlioğlu took the opportunity to emphasize the fundamental principles of the landmark 1975 document as a guide for addressing today's crises.
June 18, 2025
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Points Urgent Appeal for Gaza
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Austrian UN diplomat, Volker Türk, has urged governments worldwide to take action to end the “unbearable suffering” of the people in the Gaza Strip. At the start of the 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk emphasized that “everyone who bears governmental responsibility must wake up and see what is happening in Gaza.”
June 18, 2025
OSCE Chairpersonship Conference Emphasizes Comprehensive Approach to Climate Protection
The third annual OSCE Chairmanship Conference on Climate and Security, held in Espoo, Finland, emphasized the urgent need to respond to the pressing national, regional, and global security challenges posed by climate change. The conference highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and whole-of-society approach to advancing the climate and security agenda.
June 17, 2025
Monaco’s Club Allemand International Uncovers Treasure in Vienna's Imperial Archives
What began as the annual cultural excursion for Monaco's Club Allemand International (International German Club) transformed into a historical discovery of significant proportions. During their recent trip to Vienna, members of the club unearthed a remarkable historical document about the Principality of Monaco, hidden for centuries within the imperial archives of the Hofburg Palace.
June 12, 2025
Iran Tensions Overshadow IAEA Meeting in Vienna: Tehran Warns of 'Strategic Mistake'
A resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemning Iran for “failing to fulfill” its nuclear safeguards obligations has led to sharp warnings from Tehran at the ongoing meeting of the Board of Governors in Vienna.
June 12, 2025
IAEA Chief Grossi Voices Interest in UN Leadership
António Guterres' term of office expires at the end of 2026. The next Secretary-General should come from Latin America, through a geographical rotation system. A well-known UN official in Vienna, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, as chance would have it, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has now voiced interest in seeking to become UN Secretary-General when the position becomes vacant in 2027.
June 11, 2025
Export Day 2025: Austria's Export Economy with its Opportunities and Challenges
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's (WKÖ) Export Day 2025 was once again the largest internationalization event in Central Europe. Under the motto “Seizing Business Opportunities. NOW!”, the event brought together around 3,000 participants, including over 2,500 decision-makers, more than 60 WKÖ economic delegates, top international speakers, and leading export service providers. The aim was to encourage companies to actively seize international business opportunities and put the Austrian export industry in the spotlight.
June 11, 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
French Art History Festival: Austrian Cultural Diplomacy on Display
Austria was the guest country at this year's renowned “Festival of Art History,” which attracted up to 10,000 visitors and took place at the Palace of Fontainebleau, around 70 km south of Paris. The importance of cultural diplomacy for Austria was once again emphasized.
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
Susanne Raab Elected as New Director General of ICMPD
Representatives of the 21 ICMPD member states have elected Susanne Raab, a former ÖVP Integration Minister, in Stockholm to succeed Director General Michael Spindelegger, who is stepping down at the end of the year. This means that after nearly 10 years, the organization in Vienna will have new leadership, albeit Austrian once again.
June 7, 2025
International Climate Conference in Vienna, Austrian World Summit 2025: Schwarzenegger Calls for Action
The ninth Austrian World Summit took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna under the motto “Unite in Action – Terminate Pollution.” Organized by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the event aimed to present concrete measures to combat the climate crisis, strengthen cooperation, and generate political and social momentum for ambitious climate protection policies.
June 4, 2025
EU and UK Ambassadors to Austria Reaffirm Support for Ukraine
At the first EU-UK summit since Brexit in London, the European Union and the United Kingdom agreed on a comprehensive security and defense partnership. The meeting focused on joint support for Ukraine, and the respective ambassadors in Vienna proudly announced this partnership in Austria as well.
May 29, 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
OPEC Secretary General Warns Against a Hasty Farewell to Oil
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais repeatedly comments on the role of the oil industry in the context of global climate targets and the energy transition. In a recent interview, he emphasized that despite the expansion of renewable energies, global demand for oil will not fall in the coming decades. “It is a myth that new energy sources will automatically replace older ones,” says Al Ghais.
May 23, 2025
Van der Bellen Visits Japan: Focus on Business Delegation and EXPO 2025
Austria's President Alexander Van der Bellen is currently on a state visit to Japan, accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation of around 150 people. The four-day trip - organized in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - is all about deepening bilateral economic and diplomatic relations.
May 22, 2025
China's Ambassador Qi Mei Deepens Bilateral Relations with Austria
Ambassador Qi Mei used May 2025 to intensify diplomatic and cultural rapprochement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Austria. In addition to political meetings at the highest level, important educational and cultural events also took place, underlining the efforts of both countries to strengthen their cooperation in the long term.
May 21, 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
Austria's Foreign Minister Launches EU Initiative for Ceasefire in Ukraine
In a foreign policy move, Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) and 14 other EU member states have launched a diplomatic initiative to end the war in Ukraine. The action aims to pressure Russia into an immediate ceasefire and the start of serious peace negotiations — a move that raises both hope and skepticism.
May 19, 2025
Vjosa Osmani Awarded in Vienna with Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, was honoured with the prestigious Coudenhove-Kalergi European Prize at a ceremony held by the Pan-European Union in Vienna. The award recognizes her commitment to European integration and her dedication to peace, democracy, and transatlantic partnership.
May 18, 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
80 Years of Liberation of Mauthausen: Diplomacy, Remembrance and the Reminder of History
Over 20,000 people commemorated the 80th anniversary of the US Army's liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, with high-ranking guests including the Spanish royal couple, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Kosovan President Vjosa Osmani.
May 14, 2025
UNOOSA and Singapore Agree on Cooperation in the Field of Space Law
The United Nations and Singapore have announced a new partnership under the “Space Law for New Space Actors” project. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and Singapore's Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) are working together to support the development of a national legal framework for space activities. This initiative aims to align Singapore's emerging space sector with international standards.
May 14, 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
Between Return Policy and Skills Shortages: How ICMPD is Redefining Europe's Migration Agenda
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years, geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and migration debates in Europe are more polarizing than ever—and right in the middle of it all: the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). In its new annual report for 2024, the Vienna-based center takes stock of a year of intense challenges and far-reaching innovations.
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
Austria Strengthens its Commitment to the Reconstruction of Ukraine at the Gymnich Meeting
While the EU foreign ministers reaffirmed their solidarity with Ukraine at the Gymnich meeting in Warsaw and discussed security policy decisions for Europe, the Austrian federal government also sent a clear signal: Wolfgang Anzengruber, an experienced economic and energy expert, was appointed national coordinator for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
May 8, 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
OSCE Conference in Vienna: Joint Strategies for Climate Security and Resilience
Under the motto “Resilient Together in a Changing Climate”, over 140 representatives from the 57 OSCE participating States, partner countries, international organizations, and civil society gathered in Vienna. The event was organized as part of Finland's OSCE Chairmanship 2025 and was dedicated to strengthening resilience to the security challenges posed by climate change.
May 5, 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
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