Ex-President of Austria Heinz Fischer – on the upward trend in relations with Turkmenistan
Dr. Heinz Fischer is a world-famous Austrian politician and diplomat. From 2004 to 2016 he served as Federal President of the Republic of Austria.
Currently, Heinz Fischer, along with his great friend, South Korean politician and diplomat Ban Ki–moon, ex-UN Secretary General, are actively participating in the work of the Ban Ki–moon Center in Vienna, which is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals for the empowerment of women and youth.
– Mr. Fischer! As the Federal President of the Republic of Austria, on November 17, 2008, you hosted the President of Turkmenistan for the first time in the Hofburg in Vienna. At that time, you called this first meeting "the culmination of bilateral diplomatic relations" and stressed the political goals on which Austria and Turkmenistan "agree". What is your opinion today about these common political goals?
– Austria and Turkmenistan established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, in October 1992, and they are developing very well. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, as President of Turkmenistan, made two state visits to Austria, this is the visit you mentioned in 2008 and in May 2015. As the Federal President of Austria, I also visited Turkmenistan in 2011.
Our two countries have a lot in common. In this context, I would like to note the neutrality of both countries, the commitment of both States to the Charter of the United Nations and the peaceful resolution of international problems.
In addition, it is worth noting our commitment to the UN goals of preventing a climate catastrophe, strengthening scientific exchange and cultural cooperation, and others.
– In October 2011, you were in Ashgabat for the first time with your spouse. What were your impressions of the Turkmen capital?
– It was a very successful visit with a large Austrian delegation, which included high-ranking business and cultural figures.
The city of Ashgabat has made a huge impression on all of us with its impressive architecture, modern buildings, wide streets, bright colors, cleanliness and very friendly and friendly people.
– How important is it for Austrian companies to actively participate in the rapidly developing Turkmen market?
– Austrian companies are trying to work with their partners in Turkmenistan in the right way. However, this cooperation is still relatively young and has suffered from the Covid-19 pandemic in recent years – many indicators have declined. But by the end of 2022, an upward trend can be observed again, which can still be expanded, both quantitatively and qualitatively.
– What role does the Austrian Federal Chamber of Economics – WKO play in this?
– I have worked with the Austrian Chamber of Economics for several decades and am well aware of their tremendous ability to promote and support Austria's economic cooperation with other countries. Austrian companies have extensive experience in the field of international economic cooperation. Exports and imports make up a significant part of Austria's GDP.
At the same time, Austrian companies are reliable partners, and our products are of high quality. Therefore, I expect a significant increase in exports and imports between Turkmenistan and Austria thanks to WKO.
– How important is the status of permanent neutrality of both countries today for sustainable development, stability, regional security and peace on our continent?
– I can say that Austrian neutrality has its source in the 50s, it has existed for almost seven decades and has proven itself very well - similar to Swiss neutrality, which, however, is much older than Austrian neutrality.
The offices of many international organizations, including one of the four UN headquarters, are located in the capital of our neutral state, Vienna, and therefore Austria is closely integrated into international cooperation. The OSCE is also based in Vienna. And today, when the situation in the world is turbulent, Austria has not the slightest reason to doubt the usefulness of neutrality or to feel threatened militarily.
As peace-loving and neutral countries, Austria and Turkmenistan contribute to stability in Europe and Central Asia.
– This year Austria and Turkmenistan celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. What do you think about the cultural aspect of diplomacy?
– The 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and Austria has become an occasion for constructive reflection on the relations between our two countries, assessment of what has been achieved so far and building plans for future cooperation - in the fields of culture, tourism and many other areas.
Cultural cooperation with other countries is one of the main directions of the Austrian foreign and cultural policy.
The two-thousand-year history of Austria represents a wide and interesting field for cultural cooperation, and Austrian universities, including in the field of music and art, are always open to international students.
I am well aware of the projects of the Austrian-Turkmen Society, which you head. These are the Viennese Balls in Ashgabat, the Galkynysh magazine, which is published in Vienna, the joint Austrian-Turkmen orchestra and many others. Such cultural contacts make a great contribution to the development of interstate dialogue and serve as a bridge of friendship between our countries.
In general, I can give a very high assessment of the existing relations between Turkmenistan and Austria, and I am very optimistic, I believe that they will continue to develop successfully.
Neda BERGER,
ORIENT's own correspondent in Austria
