DUSHANBE, June 8, 2011, Asia-Plus — During his official visit to Austria, President Emomali Rahmon yesterday met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer.
According to the Tajik presidential press service, President Rahmon highly appraised a role of Austria in Europe and world policy, noting that Austria “is a strategic partner of Tajikistan on international arena and our country is interested in expansion of bilateral cooperation with Austria.”
In the course of the talks, both sides reportedly vowed to boost political and economic cooperation. Tajik leader appreciated Austrian side’s decision to award grant for training of Tajik diplomats at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the source said.
The meeting resulted in signing of a joint statement on further expansion of bilateral relations. Besides, the sides signed a government-to-government agreement between Tajikistan and Austria on avoidance of double taxation.
Tuesday afternoon, Emomali Rahmon met with Austrian Parliament Speaker Barbara Prammer. Establishment of parliamentary cooperation between the countries was the focus of the meeting.
Today, Tajik leader is attending the World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia in Vienna.
A two-day meeting held under the theme “Expanding the Frontiers of Innovation” is expected to bring together more than 500 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society from over 67 nations. It is the ninth World Economic Forum meeting held in Austria, an important gateway between Europe and Central Asia. The meeting is co-hosted with the Government of Austria.
This year’s program has been shaped around three core areas: global competitiveness; resource equation; and risk resilience. In addition to the award for European Social Entrepreneurs of the Year, official sessions will look at pressing global issues including the Arab spring, the future of the euro, energy resources after the crisis in Japan and the fastest growth countries and game-changers in the region.
Heads of state and government from Armenia, Austria, Georgia, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Moldova, Montenegro, Slovenia, Tajikistan and Ukraine will join the meeting in Vienna and highlight its significance for the region. In addition, 24 ministers will participate along with more than 150 chief executive officers from top global companies and more than 50 public figures representing over 30 countries from around the globe.
