Attending the reception and working session with Dr. Friedhelm Frischenschlager, on the Vietnamese side were Vice President of the Viet Nam-Austria Friendship Association (VAFA) Nguyen Do Tung Cuong; officials from the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO); members of the Viet Nam-Austria Friendship Association; and representatives of students from the University of Languages and International Studies, Viet Nam National University, Hanoi.
On the Austrian side were Ambassador of Austria to Viet Nam Philipp Agathonos and officials of the Austrian Embassy.
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| From left to right: Austrian Ambassador to Viet Nam Philipp Agathonos, Vice President of the Viet Nam-Austria Friendship Association Nguyen Do Tung Cuong, and Dr. Friedhelm Frischenschlager. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
During the meeting, Dr. Friedhelm Frischenschlager shared with the delegates updated information about the current situation in Austria, the European Union (EU), and the prospects for EU-ASEAN cooperation. He emphasized that, amid the current global political shifts, strengthening connections and coordination between the two regions is of paramount importance. According to him, both the EU and ASEAN share the strategic goal of upholding the international order based on international law and multilateral commitments.
Speaking at the session, Ambassador Philipp Agathonos of the Republic of Austria in Viet Nam highly appreciated Viet Nam’s increasingly proactive and dynamic role within ASEAN, especially in initiating and promoting regional and global cooperation. The Ambassador highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral cooperation between Austria and Viet Nam in various areas, particularly culture, educational technology, and tourism.
According to Ambassador Agathonos, the Austrian Embassy is currently implementing several contemporary art projects in Viet Nam, while also advancing cooperation programs in cybersecurity and tourism, especially in the training of hotel managers and the development of high-quality services. In the field of education and vocational training, more than 70 Vietnamese students are currently studying nursing in the city of Krems (Austria), with this number expected to increase to 150 in the near future.
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| Students from the University of Languages and International Studies, Viet Nam National University, Hanoi, actively engaged in discussions, posing questions about opportunities to study, work, and experience Austrian culture. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
At the event, students from the University of Languages and International Studies, Viet Nam National University, Hanoi, actively participated in exchanges and asked questions about opportunities to study, work, and experience Austrian culture. They showed particular interest in scholarship programs, German and English-language training courses, and career prospects in fields such as languages, tourism, and nursing.
The Austrian Ambassador commended the Vietnamese students for their initiative and international mindset, encouraging them to actively explore and seize opportunities within Austria’s education system.
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| Vice President of the Viet Nam-Austria Friendship Association Nguyen Do Tung Cuong presents a commemorative gift to Dr. Friedhelm Frischenschlager. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
On behalf of the VAFA, Vice President Nguyen Do Tung Cuong affirmed the Association’s commitment to continuing close cooperation with the Austrian Embassy in Viet Nam to further promote bilateral relations. In the coming time, the Association will concentrate on three core areas: economy and trade, science, technology, education, and cultural and artistic exchange. The Association also pledged to continue serving as a bridge to support students in accessing information and exploring study opportunities in Austria.
| Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Frischenschlager expressed his delight at visiting Viet Nam for the first time. He shared that his interest in Viet Nam had formed early on, stemming from his frequent following of historical events in the 20th century, particularly during the wartime period. As part of this visit, he toured several historical museums in Hanoi to gain deeper insights into the country's development and the challenging periods Viet Nam has endured. |
Source: VNA
