Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Vienna on a two-day official visit to Austria, undertaken at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Austria, with a focus on economic cooperation, trade, investment, and cultural engagement.
According to an official statement, the prime minister and his delegation were warmly received upon arrival at Vienna International Airport, where a ceremonial salute was presented by a contingent of the Austrian Armed Forces. The visit comes at an important moment, as both countries look to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
In a message shared following his arrival, the prime minister described Vienna as a city known for its history, culture, and role in global diplomacy. He expressed optimism about his upcoming meetings, stating that discussions with the Austrian leadership would aim to further strengthen the longstanding ties of friendship between the two nations.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chancellor Christian Stocker at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna. The discussions are expected to focus on enhancing economic collaboration, increasing bilateral trade, encouraging investment opportunities, and promoting people-to-people contacts.
The prime minister will also co-chair a meeting with prominent business leaders from both countries and address the Pakistan–Austria Business Forum, organized by the Austrian Economic Chamber. The forum is intended to explore new avenues for commercial partnerships and long-term economic cooperation.
In addition to bilateral engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to meet senior officials of international organizations based in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). These meetings will focus on cooperation in peaceful nuclear energy, counter-narcotics efforts, crime prevention, and sustainable industrial development.
The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and senior officials from relevant government departments.
According to the Foreign Office, this is the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria in over three decades, with the previous visit taking place in 1992. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria, highlighting the historical depth of bilateral ties.
Officials have expressed confidence that the visit will contribute positively to expanding cooperation and strengthening diplomatic, economic, and institutional relations between the two countries.
