VIENNA — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif drew attention during high-level talks in Austria on Tuesday when he addressed Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker in fluent German, delivering part of his remarks in the country’s native language during an official visit.
The moment came during delegation-level discussions in Vienna as part of Sharif’s two-day trip — the first by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria in more than 30 years. Speaking in German, a foreign language for him, Sharif thanked the Austrian leadership for its hospitality and expressed confidence in expanding bilateral cooperation.
“Mr. Chancellor, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very warm welcome today and I look forward to continuing cooperation in the coming years,” the prime minister said in German.
Chancellor Stocker later shared a video clip of the exchange on social media, highlighting Sharif’s German language proficiency.
First visit in over three decades
Officials described the visit as a step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Austria. Discussions focused on trade, investment, and broader cooperation between the two countries.
PM Shehbaz Sharif seeks deeper economic cooperation during Austria visit
The trip marks the first official visit to Austria by a Pakistani prime minister in more than three decades, underscoring renewed engagement at the leadership level.
Multilingual diplomacy on display
Sharif has previously spoken German, Persian, Russian and Arabic during international engagements. Diplomatic observers note that addressing foreign leaders in their native language can serve as a symbolic gesture of respect and cultural outreach.
The Vienna talks concluded with both sides expressing interest in continued collaboration in the coming years.
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