Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Vienna from 24 to 26 January to reiterate Australia’s commitment to working closely with the multilateral organisations in Vienna, and to the bilateral relationship with Austria.
Upon arrival in Vienna, Minister Wong met Chancellor Schallenberg and Labour and Economy Minister Kocher to discuss geopolitical developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific and the importance of countries working together to uphold internationally agreed rules and norms. They acknowledged the significant growth in business cooperation, innovation and climate initiatives that support the net zero transition and the value of the Strategic Cooperation Arrangement as a useful framework to respond to the challenges and opportunities of our time.
Meeting with UNODC Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly, Foreign Minister Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to work with the United Nations to fight transnational crime, narcotic drugs and corruption, and to support Pacific-led approaches to governance in the region. Minister Wong and Executive Director Whaly also viewed the mural painted on the Vienna International Centre by Australian street artist Fintan Magee, spreading a message of peace and justice and demonstrating international recognition of Australia’s creative talent.
Foreign Minister Wong’s meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi focused on addressing nuclear proliferation risks in Iran, and ensuring nuclear safety following Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. Foreign Minister Wong also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to meeting the highest non-proliferation standard as part of Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear powered submarines.
In a meeting with former OSCE Secretary General and now Vice President of the Munich Security Conference Foundation, Helga Schmid, Foreign Minister Wong spoke to the importance of multilateralism to help avoid conflict, uphold international rules and norms and address global challenges.
A highlight of Foreign Minister Wong’s visit to Vienna was an Australia Day reception at the Federation of Industries together with Minister Kocher. Australian operatic soprano Alexandra Flood performed the Australian and Austrian national anthems. Minister Wong delivered an Australia Day speech which underlined Australia’s deep commitment to an international system that operates by rules and norms, paid tribute to the warm bilateral relationship between Australia and Austria, and spoke to the Australian identity.
Copyright: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade