Vienna: Pakistan and Austria have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relationship across key sectors such as economic cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, hospitality, education, IT, healthcare, and human resource development and mobility. This commitment was expressed during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Chancellor of Austria Christian Stocker.

According to Radio Pakistan, the two sides also agreed to expedite the finalization of Memoranda of Understanding concerning these areas. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasizing the central role of the United Nations in addressing challenges related to peace and security, dispute resolution, sustainable development, climate action, and the promotion of human rights. They expressed a shared commitment to multilateralism and appreciated mutual support for each other's candidatures, while working with the international community to strengthen the UN system.

The Prime Minister and the Federal Chancellor also co-chaired a forum of CEOs from leading Austrian and Pakistani companies. These companies are involved in sectors such as renewable energies, energy efficiency, industrial manufacturing and construction, IT, textiles, surgical equipment, leather and sports products, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, and food and agro-industries. It was agreed to expand G2G, G2B, and B2B engagements between the two countries by effectively utilizing existing platforms.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Austrian businesses and companies to participate in the upcoming EU-Pakistan Business Forum, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in April. He expressed gratitude to Federal Chancellor Stocker for the meaningful and productive meetings, which he believes will lend fresh impetus to bilateral ties. Furthermore, he extended an invitation to the Federal Chancellor to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.

Upon his arrival at the Federal Chancellery, Prime Minister Sharif was received by Chancellor Stocker and welcomed with an impressive guard of honor ceremony. He also inscribed his comments in the Guest Book. The two leaders held a restricted meeting, which was followed by delegation-level talks.