VIENNA/ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan and Austria on Monday agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations during a high-level meeting in Vienna, marking the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria since 1992.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Vienna on Sunday for the two-day visit, which coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
PM Shehbaz and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker held a restricted meeting at the Federal Chancellery, followed by delegation-level talks involving Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.
Both leaders reaffirmed their countries’ longstanding friendship and pledged to enhance collaboration in economic cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, hospitality, education, IT, healthcare, and human resource development.
The leaders also agreed to expedite the finalisation of memoranda of understanding in these sectors and discussed regional and global developments, highlighting the central role of the United Nations in promoting peace, sustainable development, climate action, and human rights.
My visit to Austria carries special significance as we are having a high level visit after more than three decades. It also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan–Austria diplomatic relations. During my most warm and productive meeting with… pic.twitter.com/ZMi9OdnAew
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 16, 2026They underlined their shared commitment to multilateralism and mutual support for each other’s candidatures within international forums.
ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENTS
The visit included a joint meeting of chief executive officers from leading Austrian and Pakistani companies.
PM Shehbaz emphasised expanding government-to-government, government-to-business, and business-to-business collaborations, while inviting Austrian firms to the EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad in April.
During the forum, Pakistan and Austrian companies signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate cooperation in multiple sectors. Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Vice President Carmen Goby also attended the ceremony.
The premier invited Austrian businesses to invest in Pakistan’s renewable energy projects, grid modernisation, agriculture, tourism, and engineering industries, citing Austria’s expertise in engineering, environmental technology, and advanced manufacturing.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural potential, particularly in citrus production, and encouraged Austrian collaboration in value addition for exports to Austria, the Middle East, and beyond.
He also underlined Pakistan’s commitment to supplying internationally certified skilled labour to meet European demand.
YOUTH & MIGRATION INITIATIVES
Addressing the high-level business roundtable, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong stance against illegal immigration, noting that the government is working with Austria, France, and Germany to curb the flow of irregular migration.
He cited UNODC and EU data showing that 24,000 Pakistanis had entered EU countries illegally over the past three years.
The premier stressed the importance of equipping Pakistan’s young population – 60 percent of the nation’s 240 million citizens – with modern IT, AI, vocational, and technical training.
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He indicated that such initiatives would enhance the country’s human capital and readiness to contribute to global technological and industrial value chains.
Earlier on Monday, PM Shehbaz was welcomed at the Chancellery with a guard of honour, where national anthems were played, delegations were introduced, and the premier inscribed remarks in the guest book.
He described the meetings as “warm and productive” and extended a personal invitation to Chancellor Stocker for an official visit to Pakistan.