Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Austria, the first prime ministerial visit from India to that country in 41 years.
“Landed in Vienna. This visit to Austria is a special one. Our nations are connected by shared values and a commitment to a better planet. Looking forward to the various programmes in Austria including talks with Chancellor @karlnehammer, interactions with the Indian community and more,” the prime minister posted on X, along with a series of photographs.
Modi was welcomed by Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg at the airport.
Modi’s official visit comes when India and Austria mark 75 years of their diplomatic relations. Jawaharlal Nehru travelled to Austria in 1955 on the first prime ministerial visit since diplomatic ties were established in 1949.
In a post on X, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “As the two countries are celebrating 75th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations this year, this momentous visit will add renewed momentum to India-Austria ties.” Modi will call on the President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, and hold talks with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor will also address business leaders from India and Austria.
Ahead of his visit to Austria, Modi on Sunday said that the shared values of democracy, freedom and the rule of law form the bedrock upon which the two countries will build an ever-closer partnership.
Modi’s remark came a day after Austrian Chancellor Nehammer posted on ‘X’, “I very much look forward to welcoming Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, the world’s largest democracy, next week in Vienna.” “This visit is a special honour as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years and a significant milestone as we celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations with India,” he said.
“We will have the opportunity to talk about further deepening our bilateral relationship and closer cooperation on the many geopolitical challenges,” the Austrian chancellor said.
Responding to Nehammer, Modi said, “Thank you, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. It is indeed an honour to visit Austria to mark this historic occasion. I look forward to our discussions on strengthening the bonds between our nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.” “The shared values of democracy, freedom and rule of law form the bedrock upon which we will build an ever closer partnership,” he said.
Article source: firstpost.com
