Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrives in Austria for visit

The countries share a relationship that dates back 50 years

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will visit Austria on Thursday. Courtesy: Crown Prince Court Abu Dhabi

Latest: Austrian chancellor keen to explore renewables and hydrogen collaboration with UAE

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, arrived in Austria on an official visit on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohamed touched down in Vienna shortly after 3pm, state news agency Wam said.

During the visit Sheikh Mohamed will hold talks with the Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, discussing the long-standing ties of friendship between the UAE and Austria, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two men will discuss peaceful coexistence, economic co-operation, parliamentary co-operation, tourism and Expo 2020 Dubai, which is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between the countries.

Speaking on Thursday, Mr Kurz, Europe's youngest leader, said he looked forward to working with the UAE on the development of renewables and hydrogen technology, which both countries are heavily investing in.

"We strive to work more closely together, especially in the field of renewable energies and hydrogen," he told UAE state news agency Wam.

The relationship between the UAE and Austria dates back 50 years, to the era of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, and the Austrian chancellor at the time Bruno Kreisky, who first met in 1973.

The nations' bilateral ties were established on March 10, 1974, and have been based on several factors that helped to strengthen their partnership.

Both countries share common beliefs regarding the principles of peaceful coexistence and tolerance, which have been a key foundation of strengthening their bilateral ties.

The UAE and Austria support international security, stability and development, and believe in the importance of combatting terrorism and terrorist ideas promoted by extremist groups and armed militias around the world.

Tourism is another area of co-operation between the UAE and Austria. Flights between the two countries are expected to gradually return to their pre-Covid capacity, particularly in light of Expo 2020 opening in October.

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

Expo 2020 Dubai will also offer Austrian companies an opportunity to grow their business in the UAE by showcasing the country's technologies and sustainability, smart cities and renewable energy efforts.

The two countries are also developing their strategic economic partnership and several meetings have been held to promote mutual trade and investment.

The principal areas of economic co-operation include the digital economy, innovation, information and communication technology, renewable energy, water, logistical services and aviation.

The UAE and Austria have established a solid parliamentary relationship, with ideas, expertise and knowledge exchanged between the countries at international parliamentary events.