A celebration of friendship
In commemoration of Austria’s declaration of neutrality after World War II and regaining its status as an independent country on Oct. 26, 1955, Austrian Ambassador Josef Mullner and wife, Mme. Kai Wang recently hosted a party to honor the auspicious occasion at the Mayuree Ballroom of Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati.
The year 2016 also marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relation between Austria and the Philippines. Austrian presence in the Philippines was established as early as 1871, with the establishment of an Austro-Hungarian honorary consulate in Manila. Formal diplomatic relations between Austria and the Philippines was later established in 1946.
“The strength of our nations lies with people-to-people contacts,” Ambassador Mullner said during his address, pointing out the excellent Austrain-Philippine relations rooted in friendship and shared values.
The two countries’ long-standing friendship is tied with mutual benefit and respect. Austria has opened its doors to about 30,000 Filipinos who are engaged, largely, in the health and service sectors. The same is true for more than 5,500 Austrian nationals that consider Philippines their home.
“I’m happy to note that the Filipino-Austrian community launched the Philippine-Austria cultural and educational society with the scholarship program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for the students in the Philippines,” DFA Undersecretary Linglingay Lacanlale shared.
Apart from the toasts to friendship, the embassy announced the joint venture between Ayala Corporations and Austria’s leading motorcycle brand, KTM AG, which will start its production in the country. KTM Asia aims to assemble four motorcycle models with an initial capacity of 10,000 units annually that will double when fully operational.