Qatar and Austria cemented their relations further during Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s two-day official visit. The visit of H H the Amir to Austria comes as part of the wise leadership’s strategy and the keenness to keep strong and robust communication, cooperation and coordination with states. This serves Qatar’s economic goals and plans, developmental programs, its aspirations, and its benefits in various fields.
During the visit, H H the Amir met with Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, at Hofburg Presidential Palace. Bilateral relations and means of enhancing them in various fields were reviewed. H H the Amir and Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding, at the Chancellery in Vienna.
The first MoU was on economic, trade and technical cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs in the Republic of Austria. The second MoU was in the tourism field between Qatar National Tourism Council and the Federal Ministry for Sustainability and Tourism in the Republic of Austria.
The relations between Qatar and Austria are strong, deep, progressing and continuously growing. It covers the political, economic, sports, culture, and tourism fields. Qatar is also an important economic partner to Austria where the volume of trade exchange between the two countries are increasing by the day. Moreover, Austrian small and medium-sized companies are finding their way to Qatar, whereas Qatari investments to Austria continued to grow, especially in real estate.
Meanwhile, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry, called on Qatar and Austria to capitalise on their potential to further bolster bilateral trade, which was valued at around €187m in 2018. Praising the contribution of over 51 Austrian companies that are currently operating in Qatar to the country’s rapidly expanding economy, Al Kuwari said Qatar looks forward to welcoming Austrian investors to take advantage of the promising opportunities that Qatar offers.
The opportunities in Qatar include investment projects being undertaken within the framework of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and in preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. On Qatar’s economic environment, the Minister highlighted that the nation has cemented its position as one of the region’s most stable, competitive and growth-oriented economies.
The State of Qatar and the Republic of Austria play effective, distinct and coordinated roles in the service of humanity, international security, and peace. The two countries also play roles that seek active mediation to settle disputes and resolve issues in many of the world’s areas of conflict. Both countries are also meeting points for many international events and conferences such as interfaith dialogue. In Vienna, there is a United Nations headquarters which a hosting site for a large number of international organizations and bodies.
