(Photo provided by Austrian Consulate General; Credit: Jayne Russel)
Austria’s new envoy to Hong Kong Monika Müller-Fembeck has hailed the strong ties between the two economies as the consulate celebrated the Austrian National Day on Wednesday (25 October).
Müller-Fembeck, wearing traditional Austrian costume, also vowed to place the utmost priority on addressing the issues and concerns of Austrian citizens in Hong Kong. This came as the country celebrates the 62nd anniversary of Austria’s independence following 10 years of Allies occupation after the Second World War – for the first time under the leadership of new chancellor Sebastian Kurz, the world’s youngest leader.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po was the guest of honour of the night. While praising Austria for its startups and smart city development, Chan also made a shout out for the Vienna Boys Choir Music Academy Foundation to highlight the cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Austria. Established in Hong Kong just a few years ago, the foundation is the prestigious choir’s first overseas representation, and the kids put on a marvelous performance by kicking off the reception with the Chinese, Austrian and EU anthems.
Among other notable guests were Secretary for Innovation and Technology Nicholas Yang as well as members of the diplomatic and Austrian communities in Hong Kong.
