Pakistan and Austria Strengthen Bilateral Ties with Focus on Economic Cooperation

Vienna, Austria – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif concluded a two-day visit to Austria on Monday, February 16, 2026, marking the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to the country in over three decades. The visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan–Austria diplomatic relations.

High-Level Meetings and Agreements

Prime Minister Sharif met with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna. The leaders held both restricted and delegation-level talks, focusing on strengthening bilateral relationships across multiple sectors, including economic cooperation, trade, investment, tourism, hospitality, education, IT, healthcare, and human resource development.

Both leaders committed to finalizing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) related to these areas of cooperation. Discussions also encompassed regional and global developments, with both nations emphasizing the central role of the United Nations in addressing challenges related to peace, security, sustainable development, climate action, and human rights. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and mutual support within the UN system.

Boosting Economic and Business Collaboration

A key component of the visit was a meeting co-chaired by Prime Minister Sharif and Chancellor Stocker with CEOs from leading Austrian and Pakistani companies. The meeting aimed to expand government-to-government (G2G), government-to-business (G2B), and business-to-business (B2B) engagements.

Prime Minister Sharif extended an invitation to Austrian businesses to participate in the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in April. An MoU between Pakistani and Austrian companies was also signed during the visit, witnessed by Prime Minister Sharif and Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Vice President Carmen Goby.

Addressing Illegal Immigration

Prime Minister Sharif addressed the issue of illegal immigration, stating that Pakistan is collaborating with European partners, including Austria, France, and Germany, to jointly combat it. He assured Austria that Pakistan would meet its demand for skilled labor, adhering to international certification standards. A 2023 study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) found that 24,000 Pakistanis entered EU countries illegally over the past three years. Source

Focus on Youth and Key Sectors

Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the potential for collaboration in mining and minerals, and renewable energy. He emphasized the need for modern training and skills development for Pakistan’s young population, particularly in areas like IT and artificial intelligence. He also pointed to the significant potential within Pakistan’s agricultural sector, suggesting Austrian expertise and technology could enhance value-addition in areas like citrus fruit processing and exports.

Foreign Minister Dar’s Remarks

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and innovation during the Pakistan–Austria High-Level Business Roundtable. He highlighted Pakistan’s economic reforms and efforts to improve the ease of doing business, noting the complementarities between Austria’s technological strengths and Pakistan’s dynamic market. Source

Symbolic Gestures and Future Engagement

Upon his arrival at the Austrian Chancellery, Prime Minister Sharif was welcomed by Chancellor Stocker and received a guard of honor. Both leaders reviewed the guard and introduced their delegations before engaging in bilateral talks. Prime Minister Sharif also signed the guest book at the Chancellery.

Prime Minister Sharif extended an invitation to Chancellor Stocker to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. Source