Visit to Austria
17 February 2010
Media release
I visited Austria today, Wednesday 17 February.
It was my first official visit to Austria and the first visit by an Australian Foreign Minister to Austria since 1993.
My visit provided an opportunity to call on key multilateral nuclear non-proliferation and security institutions based in Vienna.
Australia is a very active contributor to the international disarmament and non-proliferation agenda.
Recently this has included the report of the International Commission for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament, which will make a positive contribution to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference to be held in May this year.
I met International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Yukiya Amano.
We discussed a broad range of disarmament issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
Australia remains deeply concerned about the nature and intent of Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s continued provocations and refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue have created a serious international security challenge.
Australia already implements fully United Nations Security Council resolutions 1737, 1747 and 1803, which impose sanctions on Iran.
Since October 2008, Australia has also imposed additional autonomous sanctions against Iran.
In the absence of positive engagement, Australia stands ready to support tough new measures against Iran, including additional UN Security Council sanctions and autonomous sanctions.
I also met Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) Executive Secretary Tibor Toth.
Australia continues to strongly support the entry into force of the Treaty.
It represents a highly effective means to constrain the development of nuclear weapons.
The Treaty is vital to achieving nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation objectives.Australia will continue to work with the CTBTO to promote ratification and implementation of the Treaty.
I also met the Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Kazakhstan’s Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov.
Australia became an Asian Partner for Co-operation of the OSCE in December 2009.
cooperation in Europe.
I also observed the proceedings of the Forum for Security Cooperation.
Australia is committed to strengthening engagement with the OSCE and fully supports the OSCE’s comprehensive and cooperative approach to security.
The bilateral relationship between Australia and Austria is warm and constructive. It is built on solid people-to-people links. Over 17,000 Austrians visit Australia each year.
I met Minister for Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, Rudolf Hundstorfer.
We signed the second protocol to our bilateral Social Security Agreement.
The amendment to the existing Agreement will reduce the superannuation costs for Australian companies doing business in Austria and for Austrian businesses operating in Australia.
I also met the Secretary General of the Ministry for European and International Affairs, Johannes Kyrle.
We had broad ranging discussions on a range of international issues, including the potential for further cooperation under the Australia-EU Partnership Framework.
I confirmed Australia’s commitment to re-negotiating the Australia-Austria Double Taxation Agreement.
Modernising the Taxation Agreement will serve to strengthen the trade and investment relationship by facilitating investment between our two countries.
Negotiations will commence in March.
Media contacts
- Mr Smith's office: 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: 02 6261 1555