Foreign relations of Austria
The 1955 Austrian State Treaty ended the four-power occupation and recognized Austria as an independent and sovereign state. In October 1955, the Federal Assembly passed a constitutional law in which "Austria declares of her own free will her perpetual neutrality." The second section of this law stated that "in all future times Austria will not join any military alliances and will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases on her territory." Since then, Austria has shaped its foreign policy on the basis of neutrality.
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Politics of Austria |
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In recent years, however, Austria has begun to reassess its definition of neutrality, granting overflight rights for the UN-sanctioned action against Iraq in 1991, and, since 1995, contemplating participation in the EU's evolving security structure. Also in 1995, it joined the Partnership for Peace, and subsequently participated in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia. Discussion of possible Austrian NATO membership intensified during 1996. ÖVP and Team Stronach aim at moving closer to NATO or a European defense arrangement. SPÖ and FPÖ, in turn, believe continued neutrality is the cornerstone of Austria's foreign policy, and a majority of the population generally supports this stance.
In February 2000, Austria's foreign relations underwent controversy when the ÖVP formed a coalition with the FPÖ after the 1999 election. European governments imposed diplomatic sanctions, and the United States recalled its ambassador.[1] Sanctions were lifted in September 2000 after a three-member panel assessed human rights and political life in Austria.[2] In November 2000, the United States and Austria normalized their relations.[3]
Austrian leaders emphasize the unique role the country plays as an East-West hub and as a moderator between industrialized and developing countries. Austria is active in the United Nations and experienced in UN peacekeeping efforts. It attaches great importance to participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and other international economic organizations, and it has played an active role in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Vienna hosts the Secretariat of the OSCE and the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the United Nations Drug Control Programme. Other international organizations based in Vienna include the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, the Organization for International Economic Relations (OiER) and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. Recently, Vienna added the preparatory commission for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization and the Wassenaar Arrangement (a technology-transfer control agency) to the list of international organizations it hosts. Furthermore, the Permanent Secretariat of an international territorial treaty for the sustainable development of the Alps called the Alpine Convention is located in Tyrol's capital Innsbruck.
Austria traditionally has been active in "bridge-building to the east," increasing contacts at all levels with Eastern Europe and the states of the former Soviet Union. Austrians maintain a constant exchange of business representatives, investment, trade, political leaders, students, cultural groups, and tourists with the countries of central and eastern Europe. In addition, the Austrian Government and various Austrian organizations provide assistance and training to support the changes underway in the region.
Bilateral relations
Austria maintains significant bilateral relations with several countries.
Multilateral
Organization | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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![]() | See 1995 enlargement of the European Union | |
![]() | See Austria–NATO relations |
Africa
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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25 October 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 October 1977[4] |
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1 December 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1964[5] |
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29 April 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 April 1978[8] |
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8 May 2007 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 2007[9] |
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18 January 1983 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 January 1983[10] |
![]() | 1929 | See Austria–Egypt relations
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1 March 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1976[11] |
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1 April 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1970[12] |
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15 October 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1976[13] |
![]() | See Austria–Kenya relations
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25 June 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1963[14] |
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2 December 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 December 1965[15] |
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![]() | 5 October 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 October 1990[16]
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3 May 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 1993[17] |
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12 January 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 January 1977[18] |
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1 March 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1975[19] |
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24 January 1956 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1956[20] |
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Americas
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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![]() | 1864 | See Argentina–Austria relations
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23 October 1978 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 October 1978[21] |
![]() | 1989 |
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![]() | See Austria–Brazil relations | |
![]() | 9 August 1952 | See Austria–Canada relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 August 1952[22]
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![]() | 1846 | See Austria–Chile relations
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![]() | 1920 | see Austria–Colombia relations
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![]() | 1842 | See Austria–Mexico relations
During the French intervention in Mexico between 1864 and 1867, with French backing Maximilian I of Mexico, member of Austria's Imperial Habsburg-Lorraine family was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico.
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29 October 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 October 1990[24] |
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3 May 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 1977[25] |
![]() | 1921 | See Austria–United States relations
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![]() | See Austria–Uruguay relations
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Asia
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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![]() | 24 January 1992 | See Armenia–Austria relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1992[26]
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![]() | 20 February 1992 | See Austria–Azerbaijan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1992[27]
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18 May 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 1975[28] |
![]() | 28 May 1971 | See Austria–China relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 May 1971 |
![]() | 25 March 1992 | See Austria–Georgia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 March 1992[29] Georgia opened its embassy in Vienna in 1996.[30]
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![]() | 1949 | See Austria–India relations
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![]() | See Austria–Iran relations
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![]() | 1949 | See Austria–Israel relations
See also History of the Jews in Austria. |
![]() | 1869-10 | See Austria–Japan relations
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![]() | See Austria–Kazakhstan relations
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![]() | 1962-08-06 | See Austria–Malaysia relations
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![]() | 1974[33] |
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19 December 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 December 1973[34] |
![]() | 1956 | See Austria–Pakistan relations
Relations between the two countries are generally friendly. The diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Austria were established in 1956 when Pakistan formally recognized Austria.
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![]() | 1946-10-17 | See Austria–Philippines relations
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5 March 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 March 1973[35] |
![]() | 10 September 1957 | See Austria–Saudi Arabia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 September 1957[36]
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![]() | 1892 As Chosun Dynasty/1963-05-22[37] | See Austria–South Korea relations
The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Austria in German (Republik Österreich) and the Republic of Korea in Korean (대한민국) Started on 1892. In April 2007 the President of Austria Heinz Fischer paid a state visit to South Korea. It was the first ever state visit of an Austrian President to South Korea.[38]
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![]() | See Austria–Turkey relations | |
![]() | 10 March 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1974[39]
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![]() | See Austria–Vietnam relations
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![]() | See Austria–Yemen relations |
Europe
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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![]() | 1912 | See Albania–Austria relations
Austria-Hungary supported Albanian Declaration of Independence in 1912. |
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20 March 1995 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 March 1995[40] |
![]() | 1992-02 |
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![]() | 1833 |
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![]() | 1878 | See Austria–Bulgaria relations
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![]() | 1992-01-15 | See Austria–Croatia relations
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![]() | 1960 | See Austria–Cyprus relations
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![]() | 1920-01-20 | See Austria–Czech Republic relations
Both countries are full members of the European Union. They share 362 km of common border, which can be crossed anywhere without border control due to the Schengen Agreement. |
![]() | 1925-12-19 | See Austria–Denmark relations
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![]() | 1921-06-26 |
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![]() | 1918-07-19 | See Austria–Finland relations
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![]() | 1535 | See Austria–France relations
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![]() | See Austria–Germany relations
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![]() | See Austria–Greece relations
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![]() | 1921 | See Austria–Hungary relations
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![]() | 1928 |
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![]() | 1951 |
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![]() | See Austria–Italy relations
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![]() | 2008 | See Austria–Kosovo relations
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![]() | 1921-02-17 |
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![]() | 1991 |
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![]() | 1792 |
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![]() | 1992-03-25 | See Austria–Moldova relations
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![]() | 2006-07-12 | See Austria–Montenegro relations
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![]() | See Austria–North Macedonia relations
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![]() | 1921 | See Austria–Poland relations
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![]() | 1878-09-22 | See Austria–Romania relations
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![]() | See Austria–Russia relations | |
![]() | 1874 | See Austria–Serbia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1874. |
![]() | 1993 |
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![]() | See Austria–Slovenia relations
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![]() | See Austria–Spain relations
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![]() | See Austria–Sweden relations
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![]() | See Austria–Switzerland relations
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![]() | See Turkey in Asia Above | |
![]() | 24 January 1992 | See Austria–Ukraine relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 January 1992[43]
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![]() | 1799 | See Austria–United Kingdom relations
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Oceania
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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![]() | 1948 |
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1 March 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 March 1993[46] |
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9 November 2005 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 November 2005[47] |
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1 December 2004 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 2004[48] |
![]() | 13 October 2005 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 October 2005[49] |
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23 March 2006 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 March 2006[50] |
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29 December 1986 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 December 1986[51] |
See also
References
- Watson, Paul; Dahlburg, John-Thor (2000-02-05). "Austria's Far Right Is Sworn Into Office". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- Daley, Suzanne (2000-09-13). "Europe Lifts Sanctions on Austria, but Vows Vigilance". The New York Times. Retrieved 2017-02-17.
- "U.S., Austria Normalize Ties as Reaction to Rightists Eases". Los Angeles Times. 2000-11-09. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
- "Diplomatic relations between Angola and Austria as of 25 Oct. 1977". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- Michael Th Neugebauer (1992). Die österreichisch-afrikanischen Beziehungen seit 1955 Wirtschaft, Politik, Entwicklungspolitik, Kultur (in German). Böhlau. p. 110.
- "Search for Austrian Representations – BMEIA, Außenministerium Österreich".
- "Burkina Faso – Österreichische Botschaft Dakar".
- Translations on Sub-Saharan Africa - Issues 1947-1953. By United States. Joint Publications Research Service. 1978. p. 35.
- "Island States". Austrian Embassy Nairobi. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- Österreichisches Jahrbuch (in German). Druck und Verlag der Österr. Staatsdruckerei. 1983. p. 241.
- Michael Th Neugebauer (1992). Die österreichisch-afrikanischen Beziehungen seit 1955 Wirtschaft, Politik, Entwicklungspolitik, Kultur (in German). Böhlau. p. 30.
- Michael Th Neugebauer (1992). Die österreichisch-afrikanischen Beziehungen seit 1955 Wirtschaft, Politik, Entwicklungspolitik, Kultur (in German). Böhlau. p. 111.
- Michael Th Neugebauer (1992). Die österreichisch-afrikanischen Beziehungen seit 1955 Wirtschaft, Politik, Entwicklungspolitik, Kultur (in German). Böhlau. p. 35.
- Michael Th Neugebauer (1992). Die österreichisch-afrikanischen Beziehungen seit 1955 Wirtschaft, Politik, Entwicklungspolitik, Kultur (in German). Böhlau. p. 109.
- Africa Research Bulletin. Blackwell. 1965. p. 435.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Namibia as of 5 Oct. 1990". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Sao Tome and Principe as of 3 May 1993". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Accreditation of New Ambassador of Austria to Seychelles". statehouse.gov.sc. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- West Africa - Volume 29, Part 1. West Africa Publishing Company, Limited. 1975. p. 377.
- Michael Th Neugebauer (1992). Die österreichisch-afrikanischen Beziehungen seit 1955 Wirtschaft, Politik, Entwicklungspolitik, Kultur (in German). Böhlau. p. 107.
- "Diplomatic relations between Austria and Bahamas as of 23 Oct. 1978". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "A Guide to Canadian Diplomatic Relations 1925-2019". Canadian Global Affairs Institute. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "PERU EMBASSIES & CONSULATES". Embassy Pages.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines as of 29 Oct. 1990". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic relations between Austria and Suriname as of 3 May 1977". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Bilateral Relations". mfa.am. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "The Republic of Austria". mfa.gov.az. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "BILATERAL RELATIONS". mofa.gov.bh. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "CHRONOLOGY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS". mfa.gov.ge. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "Embassy of Georgia to Austria". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 2007-07-09. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
Diplomatic relations between Georgia and Republic of Austria were established in 1992. Georgia opened its Embassy in Vienna in 1996. The relations between the two countries are close and friendly. Georgia appreciates Support of Austrian Government in different fields of bilateral relations. In addition the commercial and cultural ties are also very important, but do not reflect its full potential and has a big prospective to develop.
- "Austria To Lift Iranian Diplomat's Immunity Over Alleged Bomb Plot". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. July 3, 2018.
Austria is stripping the immunity of an Iranian diplomat suspected of involvement in an alleged plot to bomb a meeting of exiled Iranian opposition groups in France.
- Reinhart Zimmermann (2008). "Österreichs Wirtschaftsbeziehungen in Südostasien (Austrian Economic Relations to South-East Asia)" (PDF) (in German). Society for South-East Asian Studies. p. 80. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-05-24. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
- "북한 오스트리아 수교 : 네이버 통합검색". Search.naver.com. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
- ARR, Arab Report and Record. Economic Features, Limited. 1973. p. 5.
- ARR, Arab Report and Record, Issues 1-18; Issues 21-24. Arab Report and Record. 1973. p. 58.
- "120 Jahre österreichische Präsenz". wienerzeitung.at (in German). Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea-Europe". Mofa.go.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2016-10-22.
- "Bundespräsident Heinz Fischer zu Staatsbesuch in Südkorea eingetroffen" (in German). Federal President of the Republic of Austria. Archived from the original on 7 November 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
- "About the Embassy". Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Austria. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Andorra and Austria as of 20 Mar. 1995". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Bulgariens Präsident von pünktlichem EU-Beitritt 2007 überzeugt" (in German). Federal President of the Republic of Austria. Archived from the original on 22 August 2007. Retrieved 19 November 2008.
- Austrian embassy to Lithuania from Vienna
- "Politische Beziehungen zwischen der Ukraine und der Republik Österreich". Botschaft der Ukraine in der Republik Österreich (in German). Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- "Bilateral Relations between Austria and Australia". Austrian Embassy Canberra. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 19 November 2008.
- "Austria-born" (PDF). Department of Immigration and Citizenship (Australia). Retrieved 19 November 2008.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Marshall Islands as of 1 Mar. 1993". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Nauru as of 9 Nov. 2005". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Palau as of 1 Dec. 2004". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Solomon Islands and Austria as of 13 Oct. 2005". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Austria and Tuvalu as of 23 Mar. 2006". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- "Diplomatic Relations Between Vanuatu and Austria as of 29 Dec. 1986". United Nations Digital Library. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
Further reading
- Horn, David Bayne. Great Britain and Europe in the eighteenth century (1967) covers 1603-1702; pp 111-43.
External links
- International − Austrian magazine on foreign policy
This article incorporates public domain material from World Factbook. CIA.
This article incorporates public domain material from U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets. United States Department of State.