By Lee Jon-young

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin, who is on an official visit to Austria (Salzburg) from July 27 to 28 at the invitation of Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Alexander Schallenberg, met with the Austrian Federal Minister on July 27, and had a broad exchange of views on strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries, enhancing substantive cooperation in such areas as future industries and economic security, and regional affairs.

The two ministers appreciated that high-level exchanges between the two countries have taken place actively, including the upgrade of bilateral relations to the Strategic Partnership during the Korean President’s state visit to Austria in 2021, the foreign ministers’ meeting on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022, and the Korean Prime Minister’s official visit to Austria in 2023.

The two sides also agreed to further advance the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in various areas based on the momentum.

They also agreed that Korea and Austria, which are both highly dependent on foreign trade, would continue working together to develop mutually-beneficial relations in areas of substantive cooperation, including economic security, future industries, and cultural exchanges, based on the universal values of democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and free trade.

The two sides particularly took note that despite the global economic downturn, there has been active trade and investment between the two countries in areas such as batteries, electric vehicles and semiconductors, and agreed to continue to closely cooperate to ensure supply chain stability.

Foreign Minister Park explained to Federal Minister Schallenberg that Busan is the best candidate to host the 2030 World Expo, and requested Austria's support for Busan’s bid to host the event. Federal Minister Schallenberg stated that Austria is well aware of the Korean government's efforts to host the World Expo and will seriously consider Korea’s request.

In addition, Federal Minister Schallenberg said that Austria has decided to support Korea in the election for the members of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 term.

Foreign Minister Park pointed out that North Korea's ongoing provocations are actions that violate international law and seriously threaten peace and stability in the international community, and asked Austria to continue to play a constructive role regarding the issue. Furthermore, he stressed that North Korea's human rights issues also have a significant impact on peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and requested Austria's attention to the “2023 North Korean Human Rights Report,” which was made public this year for the first time.

Federal Minister Schallenberg stated that Austria condemns North Korea’s missile launches that violate UN Security Council resolutions and consistently supports the Korean government’s efforts for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Foreign Minister Park’s visit to Austria served as an opportunity to maintain and strengthen the momentum for high-level exchanges between the two countries, and review and accelerate the implementation of the agreements reached during Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s visit to Austria in May this year, while discussing the way for advancing the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.