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Dr. Heinz Fischer, the President of Austria paid a State visit to India from 16-21 February 2005 at the invitation of the President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
President Fischer was accompanied by his wife Madame Margit Fischer, Federal Minister for Economics and Labour Mr. Martin Bartenstein, Chief Minister of Tyrol Mr. Herwig Van Staa and the Chief Minister of Salzburg Mrs. Gabriele Burgstaller and President of Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Mr. Christoph Leitl. The large number of businessmen and a significant science and culture delegation accompanying the President during the State visit underscored the importance the two countries attach to expanding their economic relations.
During the visit, Dr. Fischer met the President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam and held talks with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. President Fischer held separate meetings with the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the External Affairs Minister and the Defence Minister. President Fischer also had a meeting with Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, UPA. President Fischer and accompanying delegation visited Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mysore. In Delhi and Mumbai, President Fischer addressed captains of Indian business and industry, in particular the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Federal Minister Bartenstein, the Chief Ministers and the President of the Economic Chamber also had separate discussions.
Presidents of Austria and India held extensive talks in an atmosphere of traditional friendship and understanding. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the strengthening and diversification of the bilateral ties and resolved to take them to greater heights. They also held a detailed exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Attaching great importance to strengthening their long-term cooperation, the two sides agreed to keep up the momentum of exchanging high level visits in the future. In this context, they welcomed the forthcoming Parliamentary exchanges planned for 2005.
Both sides assessed the present content of their bilateral economic interaction as far below its potential. They considered ways to expand and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas of common interest and identified the following sectoral priorities: power, environment, health infrastructure, biotechnology, Information Technology, engineering, transport. It was also noted that the business circles of both countries should intensify contacts for the implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects. They agreed to increase business ties through diverse measures including mutual participation in trade fairs and sector exhibitions and workshops. In this context, both sides emphasized the catalytic role played by the existing bilateral mechanisms such as bilateral Joint Economic Commission and the Joint Business Council.
In view of the significant scientific and cultural delegation accompanying the Austrian Federal President the potential of closer contacts and greater cooperation was noted. It was considered desirable to encourage greater synergy among the scientific communities, i.e. through the intensification of cooperation between universities and research institutions. To this end, both sides confirmed their interest in intensifying bilateral cooperation by concluding an Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology.
Recognising the steady growth of two-way tourism the significance of direct and expanding air-links between the two countries was emphasized.
During the visit, following bilateral documents were signed:
i. Agreement on Infrastructure Cooperation in Health Sector.
Memorandum of Understanding on Development of Collaboration between the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and the Medical University Innsbruck.
Both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism undermines the very foundation of freedom and democracy and endangers the peaceful existence of tolerant, open and democratic societies and the enjoyment of human rights. Both sides reaffirmed that no cause can justify terrorism. Consequently, there cannot be any compromise in the global fight against terrorism in which the United Nation has to play a key role. Taking into consideration the recommendations of the UN High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, the UN bodies involved in counterterrorism, in particular the CTC and UNODC should be strengthened for the optimum fulfillment of their tasks. Reiterating their commitment to continue their fight against terrorism, both sides agreed that combating terrorism has to be a comprehensive and sustained effort.
Both sides affirmed that the United Nations had a central role to play in dealing with present-day challenges. They took note of the report of the High-level Panel on Threats Challenges and Change appointed by the UN Secretary General. They felt that it was imperative to reform the UN structure to bring the same in conformity with the current global realities, to enhance its legitimacy and effectiveness. In this framework both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in global affairs and to promote their dialogue and consultations on UN related issues, including the reform of the United Nations. Taking into consideration the reputation India has achieved within the international community and the growing political and economic role India plays in the international fora, Austria is convinced that India should play a key role in the framework of the United Nations. India and Austria also shared the understanding that it is crucial to make the UN Security Council more representative and effective including through expanding its membership. They agreed to closely work together in this regard.
Both countries regard the State visit of President Fischer to India, the first ever by an Austrian President, an important landmark in the bilateral relationship. The visit underscored the mutual desire to sustain the momentum of high level contacts and to accelerate and expand our bilateral ties in various spheres.
The President of Austria Dr. Heinz Fischer extended an invitation to the President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam to pay a State visit to Austria. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.
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