Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, who was accompanied by a large business delegation to Vietnam, took a positive view after the three-day state visit. Trade agreements and collaborations have been concluded, others are in preparation. The energy transition in the Southeast Asian country must succeed with Austrian help.
Once the sounds of the “Radetzky March” were not enough. This year there were two New Year’s concerts based on the Austrian model and program around the turn of the year in the famous Hanoi Opera House. The Vietnamese would like more of these kinds of cultural events. And that’s not all: “There is a great desire for more economic commitment and interest from Austria,” Foreign Minister Schallenberg said after his three-day trip to Vietnam. Addendum: “That almost sounded reproachful.” Schallenberg and a 21-strong business delegation are taking the first step in that direction. Trade agreements and collaborations have been concluded, others are in preparation. Vietnam’s economic growth was eight percent last year. And President Vo Van Thuong is coming to Vienna soon.
Vietnam does not want to irritate China
The region only came into the picture when the geopolitical order changed due to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and China’s aggressive foreign policy. “The Vietnamese are aware of their geopolitical exposure,” Schallenberg said after meeting the prime minister and foreign minister in Hanoi. You have no emotional connection to Beijing, but you don’t want to irritate the regime either.
In addition to China, Vietnam also maintains relations with Russia, from which it mainly obtains military equipment. The eternal friendship recently promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Head of State Xi Jinping paints a cool picture of Hanoi. It is a community of convenience that China is currently making more profit from. You should observe that, but you should not overestimate it. Schallenberg shares this view.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
