Oriented on making people closer

Dr. Michael Ludwig is a well–known Austrian politician, since May 24, 2018 – Mayor and governor of Vienna. He has always supported the projects of the Austrian-Turkmen Society. He patronized the IV Vienna Ball, sent welcome messages to the ball, a special issue of the Turkmen-Austrian magazine "Galkynysh" dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, etc.

Dr. Michael Ludwig kindly agreed to answer the questions of the ORIENT correspondent.

– How do you see the role of culture in bringing peoples closer together?

– Although Austria and Turkmenistan are at a great distance from each other, culture as an ambassador of peace brings the peoples of these countries closer together. I am glad that, thanks to joint efforts, many joint cultural events were held in Ashgabat and Vienna, including four Viennese opera balls in the Turkmen capital. Culture is the basis of solidarity, mutual understanding and attraction of peoples, even if they are geographically distant from each other.

– This year Vienna regained the title of the best megacity in the world to live in. How significant is this title for deepening Vienna's relations with Ashgabat?

– We are always ready for a fruitful exchange of experience in the field of development and management of the urban environment, interaction of specialists, taking into account the opinion of the expert community in order to promote further cooperation. I hope that the good relations established at the bilateral level will continue to develop in a constructive way.

– Vienna is known as the center of world culture. Despite the past difficulties associated with the pandemic, cultural ties between Vienna and Ashgabat have not been interrupted, and what do you see the closest contacts?

– We are currently planning to organize a festival of culture of the Turkic-speaking peoples, including Turkmenistan, in Vienna. If this project can be implemented as we have planned, I will be infinitely glad of this event.

– Turkmenistan is of great interest to Austrian companies. And they, in turn, can also offer Turkmenistan modern technologies, rich experience in business promotion, industry development, construction, healthcare, food industry, tourism and much more. In your opinion, how relevant is the promising Turkmen market for Austrian companies?

– Numerous Austrian companies already operate in Turkmenistan in the field of logistics, construction of industrial enterprises, construction of roads and bridges, transport firms, supplier companies, etc. Any support in the rapidly developing Turkmen market is important for our businessmen. In this context, I would like to note that the visit of Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Linhart to Turkmenistan in December 2021 gave an additional impetus to the development of bilateral relations in the field of economy and business.

– What role can the Austrian Economic Chamber play in this process?

– I cannot speak for the Austrian Chamber of Economics. But I always support and make every effort to open new markets to Austrian companies.

– What prospects do you see in the implementation of joint projects with the participation of the administrations of Vienna and Ashgabat?

– Vienna is always open for mutually beneficial projects, including with the Turkmen capital. I remember how Shamukhammet Durdylyev, being the mayor of Ashgabat, visited Vienna in 2018. Then the guest got acquainted with the Austrian capital, visited a large Christmas fair and a traditional film festival on Rathausplatz in front of our city hall. I would like to mention the Turkmen diplomats who study at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna with great success, and the Austrian diplomats who gave lectures in Ashgabat.

– October 16 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Austria and Turkmenistan, which consistently pursue a policy of neutrality. Tell me, how important is cultural diplomacy in our turbulent times?

– Neutrality is a very special and very important international legal status of the state, especially, as you noted, in our turbulent times. Three quarters of the population of Austria support the neutral status of our state. In this aspect, I fully support Turkmenistan and its policy of permanent positive neutrality.

The anniversary you mentioned – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations – is, of course, a wonderful occasion for celebration. As for cultural and diplomatic relations, a lot of good things have happened in this regard in recent years. I am pleased to note the work of such cooperation – this is a joint Austrian-Turkmen orchestra.

– What are your wishes to Turkmenistan and the people of this country in this anniversary year?

– I wish the Turkmen people all the best, and I hope that many of them will have the opportunity to visit our beautiful Vienna, which is always happy to receive good friends.

– Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.

Staff reporter. ORIENT in Austria
dr. Neda BERGER,
Photo: Christian Jobst