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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
US Embassy Opening in Jerusalem: Palestinian Ambassador to Austria Called Back to Palestine in Protest
The Austrian Ambassador to Israel, Martin Weiss, was one of only four EU Ambassadors (Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania) who participated in the celebrations surrounding the US embassy relocation to Jerusalem. The Palestinian leadership pointed out some time ago that not only the act but also the timing is a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions, as well as arrogant disrespect. Therefore, the Palestinian Ambassador to Austria, Salah Abdel Shafi, has been called back to Palestine for an indefinite period of time.
May 16, 2018
Meet the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Austria: H.E. Mr. Salah Abdel-Shafi
H.E. Mr. Salah Abdel-Shafi is the current Palestinian ambassador to Austria and permanent observer to the UN in Vienna.
May 16, 2018
Iran-Deal Withdrawal: Consequences for Iran-Austrian Economics Relations
About 50 Austrian companies have branches in Iran. Austrian exports to Iran rose by 9.2 percent to 301 million euros in 2017; imports increased by 18.5 percent to 119 million euros. A JCPOA supported only by the EU, Russia, China and Iran is not sufficient in the medium and long term to create the necessary investments and renewals in Iran. Without the US on board, international banks and large companies will continue to shy away from activities in Iran. Secondary sanctions will contribute to this.
May 11, 2018
Trump's Iran Deal Withdrawal Increases Uncertainty for Austrian Companies
Austrian companies react in a wait-and-see manner. The withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran means in practice that the suspension of sanctions will no longer be extended. Considerations range from an immediate halt to activities in Iran to the longest possible active participation within the new sanctions framework. It is unlikely that Austria's exports will reach the 300 million euro mark of the previous year.
May 11, 2018
Iran-Deal - Austrian Oberbank Distances Itself from Framework Credit Agreement with Tehran
Only last year, the Upper Austrian Oberbank was the first European bank to sign a framework credit agreement with Iran. After the USA's withdrawal from the nuclear treaty, the bank is now under pressure and intends to wait and see. The bank says it could certainly take two weeks for a final solution to be found and officially agreed.
May 11, 2018
OMV Group Report Q1 2018: Profit Down 43%, Production Up 30%
Adjusted operating profit amounted to EUR 818 million, up 2% year-on-year. Net income was also in line with forecasts, although net income for the period fell by 43% year-on-year. One of two key events was the signing of a concession agreement for the acquisition of a 20% stake in two fields offshore Abu Dhabi from ADNOC, as well as two satellite fields. The agreed participation fee amounts to USD 1.5 bn and the duration of the contract is 40 years.
May 4, 2018
Update of Austria's Probe of UN Golan Troops Over Deaths of Syrians
According to media reports, the video, which shows the fatal incident in September 2012 on the Golan Heights, when Austrian blue helmet soldiers sent 9 Syrian security forces into a deadly ambush, was used as a "training film". In parallel with these reports, the former Defence Minister points out that the start of the Syrian Civil War has removed the basis of the UN mandate, which should focus exclusively on monitoring the ceasefire between Syria and Israel.
May 4, 2018
OMV Receives Political Support for €1.3 Billion Purchase of Two UAE Oil Fields
An economic delegation led by Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, with the participation of Margarete Schramböck, Minister of Economic Affairs, OMV CEO Rainer Seele and a small delegation had the main objective of supporting OMV in the concession agreement for the acquisition of a 20% stake in two fields offshore Abu Dhabi from ADNOC.
May 4, 2018
Teddy Kollek Exhibition at the Jewish Museum Vienna
Teddy Kollek, who grew up in Vienna, and as mayor of Jerusalem for nearly three decades did more to build and develop the city as Israel’s primary city than any other figure while still seeking to meet the needs of its Arab residents, died in 2007 in Jerusalem. The Jewish Museum in Vienna is showing a retrospective entitled "Teddy Kollek - The Viennese Mayor of Jerusalem".
May 1, 2018
Austria Participates in World EXPO 2020 Dubai Investing €16.5 Mln
Austria's participation agreement for the World Expo 2020 from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 in Dubai has been signed by Government Commissioner Beatrix Karl as part of the "Austria Connect Gulf 2018" event of the WKO Foreign Trade Center (Außenwirtschaftscenter).
April 25, 2018
Austria's Role in Brussels' Syria Conference Rather Modest
Austria's recent efforts regarding Syria to make only 4 million additional euros available on the one hand, and Lawrow's clear rejection of Austria's possible mediation role in the Syrian conflict on the other, cannot be classified as a success. Rather than Vienna, the Brussels Conference will seek to resume the UN peace talks in Geneva.
April 24, 2018
Presentation of the First Ari Rath Prize for Critical Journalism
Journalist Alexandra Föderl-Schmid will be awarded the First Ari-Rath Prize for Critical Journalism on 3 May 2018, the Day of Freedom of the Press. This prize was established to honour journalists who have rendered outstanding services to critical reporting on immigration, expulsion and asylum, committed to respect for human rights, in the spirit of the former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, who died in January 2017.
April 23, 2018
Austrian Minister of Education Demands Clarification from Islamic Community
In connection with the affair over children as soldiers playing war games in a Viennese mosque, Minister Blümel demands further information and clarification of the incidents from the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGÖ - Islamische Glaubensgemeinschaft in Österreich).
April 20, 2018
Meet the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Austria: H.E. Mr. Jabir Habeb Jabir Hemaidawi
The new Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Austria: H.E. Mr. Jabir Habeb Jabir Hemaidawi presented President Alexander Van der Bellen with his letter of accreditation at the Vienna Hofburg.
April 16, 2018
New Double Taxation Agreement Between Israel and Austria
After almost 50 years, a new double taxation agreement (DTA) for income and capital taxes was signed between Israel and Austria, which includes substantial tax relief.
April 10, 2018
OMV Buys Oilfield Shares in Abu Dhabi for USD 1.5 Bln
Listed oil corporation OMV is acquiring 20 percent of two offshore oil fields in Abu Dhabi from the Abu Dhabi oil group ADNOC. The purchase price for the concession and the associated infrastructure amounts to USD 1.5 billion. OMV has already a long relationship with Abu Dhabi. OMV opened a representation office in Abu Dhabi in 2007. Today Abu Dhabi is the location of the Business Hub for OMV´s Upstream Middle East & Africa activities.
April 6, 2018
Simplified Naturalisations in Austria for Families of Nazi Refugees
Austria plans to facilitate dual citizenship for the descendants of Nazi displaced persons.
March 15, 2018
Austrian Delegation Seeks to Improve Economic and Political Relations with Jordan
An official visit of President Van der Bellen to Jordan will take place from 17 April to 19 April 2018. The delegation to Amman will be accompanied by an economic mission headed by WKO Vice President Richard Schenz. The economic mission of the WKO is the response of an invitation issued some time ago by the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom.
March 8, 2018
The OSCE in 2030: Undivided Security in Europe Now More at Risk Than 10 Years Ago
In the Austrian National Defence Academy, the security issue "The OSCE in 2030: Undivided Security in Europe restored?" was discussed in the form of a public panel discussion. At the invitation of the International Institute for Peace (IIP), the Karl-Renner-Institut, the Scientific Cluster for Polemology and Legal Ethics, the FES Regional Office for Cooperation and Peace in Europe (ROCPE), the Austrian National Defence Academy and the ISP Institute for Security Policy, Hannes Swoboda as moderator and the panelists Thomas Greminger, Fyodor Lukyanov, Stephanie Liechtenstein, Alena Kupchyna discussed the hoped-for security policy development of Europe and the OSCE.
March 7, 2018
Chancellor Kurz Visits President Putin: "The situation in Syria is dramatic"
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz traveled to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin. The focus of the trip was a working meeting with the Russian President, with whom Kurz discussed, among other things, the bilateral relations of both countries, the relationship between Russia and the EU, the Ukraine conflict and the current situation in Syria.
February 28, 2018
IIASA Builds Bridge through Science with Israel
The Laxenburg based international research organization IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis) has recently announced that Israel has become its newest member country. Israel joins 24 other countries whose National Member Organization’s representatives constitute the IIASA Governing Council. Israel has established the Israel Committee for IIASA - made up of representatives from Israeli universities, government ministries, and the public - to represent the Israeli membership of IIASA.
February 19, 2018
Austrian Ministerial Council Approves EUR 1.5 Mln for Iraq Humanitarian Aid and Resettlement
The Austrian Ministerial Council approves 1.5 million euros in funding for humanitarian aid and resettlement in Iraq. The humanitarian aid for the population in need on the ground and measures aimed at promoting resettlement are supposed to contribute towards managing the refugee crisis.
July 15, 2016
20 Years Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Ministerial Meeting at VIC
Marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a Ministerial Meeting was held at Vienna International Center. Hosting some 40 international organizations, Austria is a hub for the promotion of peace, safety and security, sustainable development and the fight against crime, drug abuse and terrorism.
June 20, 2016
Austrian Trade Mission to Lagos, Nigeria
Several Austrian companies from various industry sectors are looking for strong local partners and new opportunities for cooperation in Lagos.
May 20, 2016
Linz-Based Unit of Bilfinger Delivers EUR 10 Mln Pipe System to Egypt
Bilfinger VAM, a Linz-based unit of German construction firm, will enjoy a capacity utilisation until autumn thanks to the contract for a pipe system in Egypt, the company said. The firm shares the EUR 10 million (USD 11.3 million) deal with another Bilfinger unit.
April 7, 2016
Starwood Sells Hotel Imperial Vienna for EUR 71 Million
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that it has closed on the sale of Hotel Imperial Vienna, a Luxury Collection Hotel, to Al Habtoor Investment - the investment arm of UAE conglomerate Al Habtoor Group for 71 million euros. As part of the transaction, all rooms and suites of the iconic hotel will be renovated over the next four years. Hotel Imperial will continue to operate as part of The Luxury Collection brand under a new long-term management agreement.
February 26, 2016
Siemens Austria Builds World's Largest Metro Project in Saudi Arabia
The Austrian unit of Siemens announced in Vienna Simmering at the rollout of the first vehicle that a "a very, very big order” has been secured. With six lines and a total route length of 175 kilometers, the capital of Saudi Arabia Riyadh is planning the world's largest subway project. Siemens is to supply the entire turnkey system for two driverless metro lines.
February 24, 2016
Iran Appoints Ebadollah Molaie as New Ambassador to Austria
Ebadollah Molaie has been appointed as Iran’s new ambassador to Austria, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said recently.
February 19, 2016
Austrian Foreign Ministry Welcomes Completion of Next Phase of the Vienna Agreement with Iran
The Austrian Foreign Minister welcomed the successful completion of the preparatory phase for the implementation of the Vienna Agreement between the E3/EU+3 and Iran. He hopes that Iran will assume a constructive role in resolving regional conflicts.
January 19, 2016
Burgenland to Be Pilot-Province for Courses on Values for Refugees
On the sidelines of a conference of experts on Integration of Austria's regional governments in Eisenstadt, Sebastian Kurz and Norbert Darabos announced a workshop cooperation between the Austrian Integration Fund (AIF) and the Federal Province of Burgenland: the AIF will offer workshops on integration for refugees and immigrants.
December 15, 2015
Report: Drug Money and Opiate Trafficking on the Balkan Route
A report recently launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that the total value of illicit heroin and opium trafficked from Afghanistan to Western Europe through the Balkans amounts to some $28 billion every year. Sixty-five per cent of this total ($18 billion) is generated in Western and Central Europe.
December 14, 2015
Multi-Million-Dollar Funding Agreement between Qatar and UNODC Signed in Vienna
Unprecedented funding agreement between UNODC and Qatar leaves lasting legacy for Doha Declaration. The agreement, totaling more than US$49 million and slated to run over four years, is to deliver projects related to justice, prisoners, youth and justice education.
December 11, 2015
Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Council of Ministers Places 27 New Diplomats at Head of Embassies
The Council of Ministers of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to place 27 new Austrian diplomats at head of Austrian Embassies worldwide.
December 10, 2015
Linhart: “Solidarity With Persecuted Religious Minorities in the Middle East”
The Secretary General for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Michael Linhart received the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Babylon, Louis Raphael I Sako, and the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop of Teheran, Ramzi Garmou for talks on the situation of religious minorities in the Middle East, including in Iran. “The commitment to freedom of religion and the protection of religious minorities, especially of persecuted Christians in the region is a focal point of Austria’s foreign policy”, Secretary General Linhart outlined: “Therefore, we seek the dialogue with interested partners. The religious leaders play an important role in this, as religions must be a part of a lasting solution.”
November 27, 2015
Foreign Minister Kurz Met Adel al-Jubeir and King Salman bin Abdulaziz
During his first visit to Saudi Arabia, Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz was received both by his Saudi Arabian counterpart Adel al-Jubeir, as well as King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The talks included besides bilateral issues - which also include economic relations - the future of Syria, the danger of the "Islamic State" and human rights.
November 27, 2015
"Terrorism Cannot Be Justified by any Means and Stands in Clear Contradiction to Islam"
The President of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGiÖ), Fuat Sanac, and Minister for Integration, Sebastian Kurz in a joint reaction vehemently condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris.
November 19, 2015
Austria Contributes EUR 3 Mln to New EU-Aid Programme for Africa
On the occasion of the establishment of the EU-trust-fund, which aims at combating the reasons for migration and flight in Africa, against the backdrop of the EU-summit in La Valletta, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sebastian Kurz underlined the necessity that Europe provides suitable answers to the challenges posed by the current refugee crisis. Austria will support the fund with EUR 3m from the Austrian Development Agency’s (ADA) budget.
November 19, 2015
Linhart: “Foreign Policy Should Focus on Stabilization of Neighbouring Regions”
“The European foreign policy must focus more of its attention on the neighborhood, the stabilization thereof – and in the case of the Western Balkans, their way towards the EU – has to be our European priority”, Secretary General for Austrian Foreign Affairs, Dr. Michael Linhart declared on the occasion of the 19th Europe Forum of the Austria Institute for Europe and Security Policy (AIES) in the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna
November 18, 2015
Press Freedom: Every Fifth Day a Journalist is Killed at Work
According to a report from Unesco, worldwide more than 700 reporters have been killed from 2006 to 2014 in the exercise of their profession. On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the OSCE Representative calls on participating States to step up their investigations.
November 2, 2015
Iranian Foreign Minister to Participate in Syria Conference in Vienna
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif will attend the conference on Syria in Vienna on Friday. This has been confirmed today by the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, according to the official news agency ISNA. Iran will meet in Vienna not only to Russia and the USA, but also to its nemesis Saudi Arabia.
October 28, 2015
How Can Exporters Benefit from the "Go-International Initiative" of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce?
Even in a challenging global economic environment, exports remain the driving force behind the Austrian economy. The go-international initiative of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce encourages companies to step across the border by offering advisory services, events and support, as well as making it easier for existing exporters to enter additional foreign markets.
October 19, 2015
Current State of Relations between NATO and Austria
NATO-Austria relations are conducted through the Partnership for Peace framework, which Austria joined in 1995. NATO and Austria actively cooperate in peace support operations, and have developed practical cooperation in a range of areas. NATO views Austria as an effective partner and contributor to international security, which shares key values such as the promotion of international security, democracy and human rights. Austria on the other hand selects areas of practical cooperation with NATO that match joint objectives.
October 16, 2015
CEE in the Autumn of 2015 is the New Safe Haven
The key conclusion of UniCredit’s CEE Quarterly 4Q 2015 is that the CEE region, despite its heterogeneity, looks better positioned than most other large emerging markets to cope with potential challenges. In particular they found that market volatility spiked in 3Q15, with the uncertainty surrounding the anticipated Fed rate hike augmented by growing worries about a “hard landing” in China.
September 25, 2015
Humanitarian Crisis: OSCE Can Be Important Platform for Co-Operation
OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today met refugees and representatives of local aid organizations at the Vienna West railway station (Westbahnhof), where he was briefed by Austria’s Interior Ministry and the Vienna police about their operations.
September 24, 2015
Austrian President Fischer is First European Head of State to Visit Iran
Austrian President Heinz Fischer is the first European head of state to visit Iran following the successful conclusion of nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1.
September 7, 2015
Iran Nuclear Deal: Joint Statement by Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister
The joint statement by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif calls on the world community "to support the implementation of this historic effort". "The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a balanced deal that respects the interests of all sides. It is also complex, detailed and technical."
July 14, 2015
Iran Nuclear Deal: Historic Agreement in Vienna
The so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany and the EU have reached a "historic" deal with Iran on limiting Iranian nuclear activity in return for the lifting of international economic sanctions. The deal, known as the "Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action", was signed today in Vienna.
July 14, 2015
Historic Iran Nuclear Deal Likely to be Announced Early Tuesday
Officials negotiating in Vienna's Palais Coburg say nothing is confirmed, but a deal will possibly come in the early hours of the morning. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said an Iran nuclear deal would not be ready to be announced July 13, as China’s Foreign Minister urged the P5+1 and Iran to finalize the accord.
July 13, 2015
How to Combat Human Trafficking Discussed in Vienna
Combating human trafficking along migration routes will be in focus at a high-level conference on 6-7 July in Vienna. The conference will draw attention to the impact of state migration policies on trafficking in human beings, the increasing risk of being trafficked during times of crisis, and the special vulnerability of unaccompanied minors on the move.
June 29, 2015
OPEC in Vienna Decides to Keep Production Unchanged
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) today hosted its 167th Meeting of the OPEC Conference at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna. Participants included OPEC Heads of Delegation and the Secretary General. There were some expectations that the production goal of 30 million barrels a day could move higher. However, the key issue the market was looking for will remain at 30 million barrels a day.
June 5, 2015
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