VIENNA, Monday, February 16, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Austrian Federal Chancellery on Monday, as he held formal talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during his official visit to Austria.

Upon arrival at the Chancellery in Vienna, the Prime Minister was warmly received by Chancellor Stocker and introduced to members of the Austrian cabinet. Prime Minister Shehbaz also presented members of his delegation, underscoring the importance both sides attach to strengthening bilateral engagement.

The two leaders proceeded to a one-on-one (tête-à-tête) meeting, followed by delegation-level talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan–Austria relations, including trade, investment, development cooperation and multilateral coordination.

The discussions aim to further deepen cooperation and explore new avenues of partnership between the two countries, particularly in areas of economic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also signed the guest book at the Chancellery, marking the significance of the occasion. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria.

This trip is particularly notable as it marks the first visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria in more than three decades, signalling renewed momentum in high-level political engagement between Islamabad and Vienna.

Diplomatic observers say the visit reflects Pakistan’s broader outreach to European partners as it seeks to expand trade ties and diversify its international partnerships amid evolving global economic and geopolitical dynamics.