During an official visit to the county, on July 2 Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with top Austrian officials, including Austria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg and President Alexander Van der Bellen, and highlighted the historical ties between the Kurdistan Region and Austria.

I’m delighted to meet Austrian President @vanderbellen today in Vienna. We highlighted the historical ties between the Kurdistan Region and Austria and discussed strengthening our partnership. I expressed my gratitude for Austria’s ongoing support to Iraq and the Kurdistan… pic.twitter.com/MGjX29gcLd

— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) July 2, 2024

“I’m delighted to meet Austrian President @vanderbellen today in Vienna. We highlighted the historical ties between the Kurdistan Region and Austria and discussed strengthening our partnership,” the Kurdish president posted on X. 

“I expressed my gratitude for Austria’s ongoing support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

According to a press readout by the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Region President expressed his appreciation for Austria’s ongoing support and assistance in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and commended Austria’s preparedness and contribution within the international coalition against ISIS.

Pleased to meet @IKRPresident Nechirvan Barzani and discuss current geopolitical developments in the highly complex neighbourhood of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/3UM7Jbjnv9

— A. Van der Bellen (@vanderbellen) July 2, 2024

Moreover, President Van der Bellen in a post on X said he was pleased to meet President Barzani and discuss current geopolitical developments “in the highly complex neighborhood of the Kurdistan Region.”

He underlined that Austria is committed to a peaceful and stable Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. “Peace and stability are prerequisites for a prosperous and thriving society.”

Great to welcome @IKRPresident Nêçîrwan Barzani to Vienna after my visit in #Erbil!

Discussed developments in the Middle East, migration and intensified economic cooperation. Austria is commited to #Iraq's stability, including the @Kurdistan Region. pic.twitter.com/Oo1lpdzOYQ

— Alexander Schallenberg (@a_schallenberg) July 2, 2024

In a post on X, Minister Schallenberg said it was great to welcome the Kurdish leader in Vienna following the minister’s visit to Erbil in September 2023.

“Discussed developments in the Middle East, migration and intensified economic cooperation. Austria is committed to Iraq's stability, including the Kurdistan Region.” Minister Schallenberg said in his post.

The Kurdistan Region has strong historical relations with Austria.

In June 2012, the Kurdistan Regional Government opened its 13th representation office worldwide in Austria. 

In 2023, Austria reopened its embassy in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, after it was closed for security reasons. Austria is also expected to open a consulate office in Erbil.

In December 2007, Austrian Airlines was the first European carrier to fly to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.