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New US Ambassador Fisher: Partnership with Austria strengthened!
Arthur Fisher, designated US ambassador to Austria, emphasizes the country's strategic relationships and neutrality at the Senate hearing.
New US Ambassador Fisher: Partnership with Austria strengthened!
The designated US ambassador to Austria, Arthur Fisher, introduced himself at a hearing before the US Senate Foreign Policy Committee. The meeting was held on June 12, 2025 under the chairmanship of Senator Steve Daines while Chairman James Risch was absent. Fisher emphasized to the senators the USA's respect for Austria's neutrality and its intention to remain a reliable partner. This is particularly relevant in view of the cooperation agreement between the Federal Armed Forces and the US National Guard, which was concluded in 2021 and is expected to continue to be expanded.
During the hearing, which lasted a total of an hour, Fisher also gave personal insights. He expressed his condolences to the Austrian people after the tragic shooting in Graz and expressed his desire to work closely with Chancellor Stocker to deepen bilateral relations. He highlighted the existing economic cooperation and praised Austrian investments in the USA.
Fisher and transatlantic relations
Arthur Fisher, nominated by President Donald Trump, is the successor to Victoria Reggie Kennedy. His nomination has been pending for six months, awaiting approval from the Republican-dominated House of Representatives, which is normally considered a routine matter. Fisher mentioned that he has traveled to over 100 countries on all seven continents and studied at the elite Harvard University, where he was also a delegate to the Model United Nations. In his introductory remarks, Senator Bill Hagerty praised Fisher as a person with a strong family tradition of community service.
Fisher presented himself as an ambassador of the values of excellence, fairness, prosperity and hope. He also spoke out strongly against anti-Semitism and recalled the role of US soldiers in the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp in World War II. Five ambassadorial candidates were present in the hearing, including those for Uruguay, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Estonia, underscoring the diversity of US diplomatic relations.
Current developments in US-Austrian relations
Talks about deeper transatlantic cooperation are not new. The annual strategic dialogue between Austria and the USA recently took place on December 4th. This dialogue, which covers important issues such as security issues, human rights and democracy, has shown that the two countries are committed to strengthening their partnership. Ambassador Gregor W. Kössler of the Austrian Foreign Ministry and Ambassador James C. O’Brien, US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, underlined the relevance of this cooperation.
In their joint statement, participants reiterated support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and solidarity with Israel. They also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Issues such as the fight against anti-Semitism, racism and foreign disinformation campaigns were clearly addressed, reflecting the pressing challenges facing both nations.
The dialogue aims to further deepen bilateral strategic partnerships in the coming year. Fisher will therefore take part in this exchange and thus has the opportunity to lay the foundation for a successful term in Austria.