Bilateral Relations between Middle Eastern Countries and Austria

Austria and Middle Eastern countries - Read the latest headlines about bilateral relations in the areas of economy, diplomacy, culture and tourism

Austrian Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Warning for Iran

In response to the ongoing protests and their violent suppression by the Iranian authorities, Austria has temporarily issued a travel warning for Iran. The Foreign Ministry strongly recommends Austrians in Iran leave the country.

October 4, 2022

Meeting in New York: Turkey and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Relations

In the course of his stay at the UN General Assembly in New York, Federal President Van der Bellen met Turkish President Erdogan. Among the topics discussed were the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and Turkey's role as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

September 23, 2022

Space Diplomacy: UNOOSA and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre announce payload program awardees

A joint initiative, the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI), is a cooperation program under the Access to Space for All Initiative between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). PHI-1, which the first transport is called, will carry two payloads from the National Space Science Agency of the Kingdom of Bahrain (NSSA) and the Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal University.

September 21, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: New False Hopes?

The Vienna nuclear talks regarding the restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are entering the next round. While statements and papers are being bounced between parties, many ask themselves if there will be a solution soon.

September 20, 2022

Austro-Arab Chamber Organised the “Ambassadors’ Meeting at Vienna School for International Studies”

The Vienna School of International Studies hosted the "Ambassadors' Meeting at Vienna School of International Studies", organized by the Austro-Arab Chamber (AACC).

September 14, 2022

Austrian Minister at World Summit on Counter-Terrorism in Israel

Due to her participation in the World Counter-Terrorism Summit in Herzliya, the Austrian Minister for Europe and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, travelled to Israel at the weekend. As part of her speech, she presented Israeli descendants of those persecuted under National Socialism with Austrian citizenship.

September 12, 2022

New Educational Cooperation Between International Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem and Austria Launched

An educational collaboration between Yad Vashem and the Austrian Parliament was formally established during the visit of the Director of the Holocaust Memorial, Dani Dayan. An agreement to work together against anti-Semitism was signed by Dani Dayan and Wolfgang Sobotka, the President of the National Council. Yad Vashem's partnership with a national parliament is the first of its kind in the world.

September 8, 2022

Austro-Arab Chamber Strengthens Relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt

The Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) strengthened its relations with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt. The AACC Secretary-General Mouddar Khouja met with important ambassadors and dignitaries from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Egypt.

September 7, 2022

Political Consultations between Turkey and Austria, OSCE and European Forum Alpbach

Turkey and Austria held bilateral political consultations in Vienna. The focus was on aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as an exchange of views on Turkiye's EU accession process.

September 4, 2022

Austrian Remembrance Service Turns 30

The Gedenkdienst or Austrian Remembrance Service is an Austrian voluntary service celebrating its 30th anniversary since its launch. The Gedenkdienst deals with the causes and consequences of National Socialism and its crimes in Austria and the world and tries to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust in a dignified way.

September 1, 2022

Head of Yad Vashem Visits Vienna

On the occasion of his visit to Vienna, Dani Dayan, the director of the Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, comments on Corona demonstrations, and Austria's role in the Holocaust and met with high-ranking Austrian politicians.

August 31, 2022

Hostage Diplomacy: Austrian Imprisoned in Iran Released

Austrian Massud Mossaheb, who has been imprisoned in Iran for more than three years, has been released from prison. The 76-year-old Iranian-Austrian dual citizen has just been released on medical grounds.

August 29, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Kuwait to the United Nations in Vienna

Talal Alfassam, Kuwait's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Talal Alfassam, the new permanent representative of Kuwait to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 29, 2022

Embassy of Turkey in Vienna Participated in the Program "100 Jahre Bildung für Wien"

Yusuf Yıldız, Counsellor for Education of the Embassy of Turkey in Vienna participated in the program "Come together 100 years of education" organized by the Vienna Directorate of Education on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Vienna Directorate of Education.

August 16, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations in Vienna

Mohsen Naziri Asl, Iran's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Naziri Asl, the new permanent representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 16, 2022

Meet the New Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the United Nations in Vienna

Levent Eler, Turkey's new permanent representative, presented his credentials to the Deputy Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Dennis Thatchaichawalit. Meet Ambassador Levent Eler, the new permanent representative of the Republic of Turkey to the International Organizations in Vienna.

August 16, 2022

Diplomatic Relations With Iraq: Austria's Embassy in Baghdad to be Reopened

On 1 September, Austria's embassy in Baghdad will reopen after being vacant since 1991. Western diplomats had left the city at that time, including the Austrian ambassador.

August 11, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Parties Back at the Negotiating Table

The Iranian government, the U.S., and the European Union have resumed their months-long indirect negotiations over Tehran's tattered nuclear deal, despite international inspectors confirming the Iranian regime has begun expanding uranium enrichment.

August 4, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Iranian Delegation Heads to Vienna

An Iranian delegation is set to leave for Vienna for a continuation of nuclear negotiations. Chief negotiator Ali Bagheri and his team will set off within the next few hours, the Iranian government announced today.

August 3, 2022

FIFA and UNODC Against Match-Fixing in Football

For the first time, FIFA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have conducted a joint international training program to support FIFA's 211 member associations in the fight against match-fixing in football.

August 3, 2022

UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Conference in New York

The UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty tenth review conference is held in New York after a two-year delay caused by the CoV pandemic. Even before Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, nuclear disarmament had stalled. Now, reducing the nearly 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide is becoming even more difficult.

August 1, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Iran Can Build Nuclear Bomb, But Does Not Intend to Do So

Iran says it is technically capable of producing a nuclear bomb. But the country does not intend to do so, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammed Eslami.

August 1, 2022

OPEC Welcomes New Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais

Haitham Al-Ghais of Kuwait has taken over the position of Secretary General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He replaces Mohammed Barkindo, who died unexpectedly in July.

August 1, 2022

Global Food Crisis: Lebanon Receives Aid From Austria

By intervening in Ukraine, the Russian war of aggression and resulting food crisis have exacerbated the already existing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Financial resources from the Foreign Disaster Fund have recently been released by the Austrian Federal Government to assist on the ground in order to help.

July 28, 2022

Space Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia Signed the Artemis Accords

In joining the Artemis Accords, Saudi Arabia shows its commitment to sustainable space exploration guided by a common set of principles. In signing the agreement, Saudi Arabia becomes the 21st Artemis Accords country.

July 19, 2022

Austrian Chancellor Visits Israel: "Possible Partner for Future Gas Purchases"

Austria's Chancellor travelled to Israel this week to meet with Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid. During his visit, the Chancellor expressed interest in Israel's weapons technology and future gas supplies. Besides signing a strategic partnership, Nehammer also visited the Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem.

July 13, 2022

Alpine Peace Crossing - Commemorative Hike Recalls Flight of Thousands of Jews During National Socialism

Last weekend, a very special memorial event took place in the Krimml Tauern, Salzburg. The Alpine Peace Crossing memorial association organises an annual hike here, which follows the route of thousands of Jews who fled to South Tyrol via the Krimml Tauern in 1947.

July 5, 2022

Austrian Foreign and Interior Ministers Visit Ankara

Austria's Foreign and Interior Ministers were recently on a working trip to Turkey. The two politicians met their respective counterparts to discuss acute issues such as food security or illegal migration triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. The two ministers are currently travelling together and have been in Egypt for the past few days.

July 5, 2022

Austria Supports Health Projects in Partner Countries in the Fight Against COVID-19

To support partner countries in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Austrian government made a total of 4 million euros available from the Foreign Disaster Fund at the end of June. The funds are to help Austrian NGOs abroad to implement targeted projects and vaccination campaigns.

July 4, 2022

Austrian Ministers Visit Egypt on a Joint Trip

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner traveled together to Egypt, to strengthen the cooperation with the Arabic Republic and North Africa. The meetings focused on the war in Ukraine, its global consequences, illegal migration, combating human trafficking and human rights.

July 3, 2022

UNODC World Drug Report 2022 Highlights Trends in Global Drug Supply and Demand

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released its annual World Drug Report. The Report highlights new trends on cannabis post-legalization, environmental impacts of illicit drugs, relations between drug markets and conflict zones like Ukraine, and drug use among women and youth. Learn more about the World Drug Report 2022.

June 29, 2022

Iran Expressed Readiness to Continue Nuclear Talks

EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell visited Tehran and announced that Iran wants to resume the stalled negotiations on the international nuclear agreement in the coming days.

June 27, 2022

Israeli Ambassador Presents First "Israel Friendship Award" in Vienna

The newly created "Israel Friendship Award" was presented for the first time last week in Vienna to individuals and institutions that promote excellent relations between Israel and Austria. The winners were the Austria-Israel Academic Network Innsbruck and the Austrian former football coach of the Israeli national team, Andreas Herzog. From now on, the award will be presented annually by the Israeli ambassador.

June 27, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: Avoiding Sanctions - Lavrov in Tehran

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Iran for a visit. He first met with President Ebrahim Raisi in the capital Tehran and will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Iran Nuclear Talks will also play a significant role in Lavrov's visit since both countries are trying to find a way to avoid further sanctions by the West.

June 22, 2022

Vienna Israelite Community Signs Agreement "Together.Safe" with Austrian Ministry of the Interior

The new cooperation "TOGETHER.SAFE" is intended to create a dialogue between the police and the Jewish community. The Jewish Religious Community and the Austrian Ministry of the Interior launched the initiative.

June 21, 2022

Austria Sees Potential EU Accession Status as a Historic Opportunity

Austria sees the EU Commission's proposal to grant Ukraine and Moldova the status of EU accession candidates as a historic opportunity as a clear signal of the EU's strength. Nevertheless, Austria also has a responsibility towards the Western Balkans and should not ignore them. Read on if you want to learn more.

June 21, 2022

Viennese Diplomats Visited Governor Doskozil in Burgenland

Governor Hans Peter Doskozil received ambassadors of foreign representative authorities at the Martinsschlössel in Donnerskirchen in the Austrian province of Burgenland.

June 15, 2022

First Austrian National Forum against Anti-Semitism Meets in Vienna

The first Austrian national forum marks another milestone in the Austrian national strategy against Anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is still a problem in many places. Austrian complicity in the Holocaust and recurring attacks against Jews explain the importance of this forum.

June 14, 2022

Diplomats in Austria March for Equality at Vienna Pride

Diplomats in Vienna marched for equality at one of the most important events of the Vienna pride, the Rainbow Parade. Learn more about "Diplomats for Equality" and today's event for peace and equality.

June 11, 2022

IAEA Censures Iran for Insufficient Cooperation

Due to recent developments, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reprimanded Iran's behavior toward the UN nuclear watchdog. Previously, the latter had neglected to declare three undeclared sites with detected uranium traces. Now it is accused of lack of cooperation.

June 9, 2022

What is the Austrian Ombudsman Board?

The Austrian Ombudsman Board began its work 45 years ago. Since then, according to the Austrian constitution, anyone who suspects maladministration can turn to the Austrian Ombudsman Board. The Austrian Ombudsman Board in Vienna also houses the General Secretariat of the International Ombudsman Institute. Learn more about the Austrian Ombudsman Board.

June 8, 2022

OPEC Considers Possible Exclusion of Russia From Oil Production Agreement

OPEC countries are apparently considering the exclusion of non-OPEC member Russia from the concluded oil production agreement. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, which cites statements from insider circles, other OPEC countries could step in to meet production targets following Russia's exclusion.

June 1, 2022

Finland and Sweden Submit Applications to Join NATO

With Russia posing a threat to Finland and Sweden through its attack on Ukraine, both countries decided to join NATO. The ambassadors of Finland and Sweden handed over the relevant documents to NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg this morning.

May 18, 2022

Together With Sweden and Finland: How likely is Austria to Join NATO?

Finland and Sweden have decided to make an official application to join NATO. Stimulated by the ambitions of Finland and Sweden, the question arises: Will Austria also consider this step soon? Probably not if you ask Austrian politicians and people. A brief analysis.

May 16, 2022

New Hope in Iran Nuclear Talks

New hopes have risen in the Vienna Nuclear Talks. The European Union reports the success of negotiator Enrique Mora, who traveled to Tehran this week.

May 15, 2022

Forgotten Crisis: Austria Supports Syria at International Donor Conference

This week, the 6th donor conference to support Syria and the region is taking place in Brussels. This conference is the most important donor event for the country, which has suffered enormously in recent years, mainly due to war and natural disasters, and is still dependent on humanitarian aid from other countries. Austria is also represented and will contribute to the relief efforts.

May 10, 2022

Iran Nuclear Talks: EU Tries To Revive the Negotiations

European officials are trying to save the Iran nuclear deal. To find a solution to the months-long standoff between Tehran and Washington, EU coordinator Enrique Mora is scheduled to visit Tehran. Read about the newest developments in Iran and the JCPOA.

May 8, 2022

OSCE and U.S. Mission to the OSCE Condemn Anti-Semitic Remarks by Russian Foreign Minister

The OSCE and the U.S. Mission to the OSCE recently condemned the statements of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, who claimed that Adolf Hitler was of Jewish origin, sparking an outcry in the Jewish faith community. The two statements describe the falsity of the statement and convey a lack of understanding of such obviously provocative statements.

May 6, 2022

Number of Hungry People Further Increased in 2021

The number of people going hungry worldwide continued to rise in 2021. Several factors contributed to the increase, including conflicts, economic crises, and weather extremes, according to a report released today by the Network Against Food Crises.

May 4, 2022

How the European Union Is Providing Humanitarian Help to Ukraine

In Ukraine, the war has been raging for about two months now. The situation for people in Ukraine is miserable and the constant fighting makes normal life impossible. The European Union also provides humanitarian support to Ukraine. Read more about the EU's humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

April 28, 2022