Over seven decades of friendship

Envoy highlights growing trade between Austria and the Philippines

During this year’s celebration of Austria’s National Day, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Johann Brieger pointed to the “positive developments” in trade relations between the two countries. He mentioned this amid the festivities held on Oct. 25 at Grand Hyatt Manila, where he and his spouse, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, welcomed and entertained guests from the diplomatic corps, the Philippine government, as well as officials from Austria.

“Austria and the Philippines have enjoyed positive developments in the last years, with our trade numbers showing a strong upside trajectory and more Austrian businesses interested to come in, evidently, with the already second visit of an Austrian trade delegation this year,” the Amb. said.

The ambassador also thanked the Philippines for being a partner amid difficult times, as Austria celebrates its “rise from the ashes of World War II.”

“It is particularly comforting to know that we stand strong together both as nations and peoples as we overcome such adversities,” Amb. Brieger added.

The evening was filled with traditional Austrian delicacies and music, with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) performing the national anthems of both countries, as well as traditional Viennese waltzes from Austrian composers. It was no coincidence that the MSO was there that evening, as it was founded in 1926 by Alexander Lippay who was Austrian by birth and Filipino by choice.

Since 1965, Austria has been celebrating its National Day every Oct. 26.

H.E. Amb. Johann Brieger of the Embassy of Austria and Mme. Roswitha Brieger with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO)

H.E. Amb. Johann Brieger, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Sen. Cynthia Gmasz, and Brenda Gmasz Villar, Consul Wolfgang

H.E. Amb. Johann Brieger, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Mme. Pamela Louise Hunt Manalo, Turkish Amb. H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol, and Mme. Indri Puspitasari Akyol

Usec. Jesus S. Domingo of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretary-general Karlheinz Kopf of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, State Secretary Susanne Kraus-winkler of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labor and Economy, and H.E. Amb. Johann Brieger during the cake cutting ceremony.

Unveiling of the Grand Hyatt Manila’s Live Kitchen, which served the evening’s Austrian dishes.

Mme. Catherine Lykke Riseng Lyster (spouse of the Norweigian Ambassador), Mme. Roswitha Brieger, and Barbara Brandner-aboitiz

H.E. Amb. Johann Brieger and Mme. Roswitha Brieger pose with the ÖB Manila/austrian Embassy Team with a background showing the inside of the Belvedere Museum

Dancing to ‘Blue Danube,’ which was performed by the MSJO.