President Sirisena meets Austrian President

President Maithripala Sirisena met with Austrian President Heinz Fischer a short while ago and bilateral talks are currently underway. 

The meeting is taking place at the Hofburg at the Presidential Palace in Vienna.

Thereafter, the President is scheduled to visit the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. He will also meet the Sri Lankan Community and other well-wishers.

President Sirisena arrived at the Vienna International Airport, yesterday, commencing a three-day state visit to Austria following the conclusion of his visit to Germany. 

Ambassador Dr. Bettina Kirnbauer, Chief of Protocol of Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs of Austria warmly welcomed the President.

President Maithripala Sirisena became the first Sri Lankan leader to make a state visit to Austria after 60 years.

There is more room to increase trade in the future, the Austrian president Heinz Fischer said addressing the press after the bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan President at the president’s office in Vienna, Austria.

The Sri Lankan president was received by his Austrian counterpart with full state honors, with a guard of honor and the two national anthems of the countries.

This is the first state visit to Austria by a Sri Lankan leader ever since both countries built relationship almost six decades ago.

Bothe the leaders said the main focus on this discussion was strengthening the trade between the two countries while both leaders have discussed the market access to products joint investments and more over improving the tourism between two countries.

Infrastructure development using the modern technology and improving the education were other topics that were discussed and looked on the Austrian assistance.

Meanwhile the Austrian President was of the view that Sri Lanka could include provisions for the protection of human rights in the new process of constitution making.

The Austrian president was optimistic that Sri Lanka could move forward with the election of the President Maithripala Sirisena and said the new political change has been positive to them.

Shehan Baranage reporting from Austria