H.H. Sheikh Mohamed to visit Austria

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces will visit Austria on Thursday.

During the official trip, Sheikh Mohamed will hold talks with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, covering bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The countries share a relationship that dates back 50 years.

Bilateral ties between the UAE and Austria date back to the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and then Chancellor Bruno Kreisky, who first met in 1973.

The UAE is a key economic partner of Austria in the region, while Austrian companies are increasing their presence in the UAE to benefit from the opportunities provided by Emirati markets to investors, most notably in the heavy machinery and service sectors.

The two countries are also advancing their strategic economic partnership and several coordination meetings were held to promote mutual trade and investment.

Their main areas of economic cooperation include digital economy, innovation, information and communication technology, renewable energy, water, logistical services and aviation.

Both countries support international security, stability and development, and believe in the importance of combatting terrorism.

The tourism sector is promising, in terms of the cooperation between the UAE and Austria, considering its size and the opportunities it offers to both countries.

Despite the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is expected to see the gradual return of flights between the two countries, most notably with the start of Expo 2020 Dubai.

The UAE and Austria also have a solid parliamentary relationship, and a friendship committee between their parliaments was established to exchange expertise and knowledge and coordinate their views and stances at international parliamentary events.

Austria aims to benefit from Expo 2020 Dubai and reinforce the presence of Austrian companies in the UAE and the region's markets by showcasing its technologies and sustainability, smart cities and renewable energy efforts.