Austria's top politician in New York: Triple photo team for UN visit!

Austria's top politician in New York: Triple photo team for UN visit!

On September 27, 2025, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Chancellor Christian Stocker and Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger traveled to New York to represent Austria at the UN General Assembly. During their stay, the three top politicians each had their own photographer with them. This measure was justified by the Federal Chancellery on the grounds that every politician perceives different appointments. Of over 30 appointments that Chancellor Stocker had to do, only five took place in joint presence with the Federal President and the Foreign Minister. Most of these meetings took place in the UN headquarters, on the Austrian constant representation at the UN and at the representations of other countries.

The trip focused on significant discussions, including a meeting of Van der Bellen with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which was to treat the topics of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the broker role of Türkiye. The commitment to open discussion channels was highlighted by Van der Bellen, especially in view of the numerous global crises with which the United Nations are confronted.

Priority topics of the UN General Assembly

As part of the 77th General Assembly of the United Nations, which was opened on Tuesday morning, bilateral discussions with heads of state from countries from countries were also on the agenda that act as important energy producers or intermediaries. Van der Bellen had planned to get together with the Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Moldovian President Maia Sandu. A special highlight was a high -ranking event for minorities, in which van der Bellen was the first representative of states.

Furthermore, van der Bellen informed in a conversation with António Guterres, the UN Secretary General, about the commitment of Austria for the Republic of Moldova, which is particularly under pressure through the Ukraine war consequences. After the talks, press conferences with the Austrian Prime Minister Nehammer and Schallenberg were planned. The visit should finally end with a reception by US President Joe Biden.

Austria's role in the international community

In the current political landscape, in which the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary, van der Bellen emphasizes the importance of a confident Europe. In view of the numerous conflicts, including the Ukraine and Middle East conflict, multilateralism is strongly challenged. Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger criticized the actions of well-known UN members who put pressure on the organization.

In the sense of Austria's position within the UN it is emphasized that the country is applying for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the years 2027 and 2028, under the slogan "Partnership, dialogue, trust". This commitment to international cooperation underlines the fundamental need to defend democracies and to counteract steps back in the rule of law and democracy, as Stocker emphasized by Foreign Minister.

Through this visit and the comprehensive discussions, Austria not only represents its own interests, but also the goal of tackling global challenges together and finding solutions.

For more information see also OE24,, bundespraesident.at and orf.at.