The relations between Iran and Austria have roots in history. They began during the rule of the Safavids in Iran and the Habsburg dynasty in Austria, and this relationship has never been affected by transient political issues due to the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

The Austrian Embassy in Tehran, which was established in 1873, has been one of the oldest and most active European missions in Iran.
The history of cultural contacts between Iran and Austria dates back to the 16th century, when some Iranians immigrated to Austria and a large number of Austrians also immigrated to different parts of Iran, including the Jolfa district of Isfahan.
The 1678 book on Chehel-Sotoon Palace, the book on Iranian architecture by Joseph Freiherr von Hammer-Purgstall, and even older ones (going back to the 5th century), which are kept in the Austrian national library, and also the 40,000 works by Iranian scholars and poets that are part of the collection of the library of Vienna University indicate the depth of cultural relations between the two nations.
In addition, all Iranians appreciate famous Austrian Iranologists such as Friedrich Ruckert and Joseph Freiherr von Hammer-Purgstall for their devotion to Iranian culture.
Relations between the two countries have been on the rise up to today. The hosting of the cultural and artistic exhibition “7000 Years of Persian Art” in Vienna was one example of these cultural ties.
Likewise, the Austrian government’s initiative for dialogue between Islam and Christianity demonstrates the civilized spirit of the nation and its government’s support for dialogue and understanding between nations.
Its impartiality and its immediate recognition of the Islamic Republic in 1979, its refusal to impose sanctions on Iran during the Iraqi imposed war against our country, and its interest in maintaining and developing commercial ties with Tehran are manifestations of the independence of this country in the heart of Europe.
In recent years, the economic ties between the two countries have entered a new stage in various spheres such as the transfer of technology and joint investments. This trend gained momentum after former president Mohammad Khatami’s visit to Vienna and a visit to Tehran by senior Austrian officials.
Interestingly enough, the cultural and academic ties between the two nations are still vibrant, and currently about 3,000 Iranian students are studying at Austrian universities. It is also expected that the minor hurdles preventing the establishment of a Persian language course at Vienna University will soon be overcome since the German language is widely studied at Iranian universities.
On the very important issue of energy cooperation, the two countries enjoy great potential. Iran sincerely welcomes any Austrian investment in its oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. Also, in order to diversify energy supplies for Europe, Austria can prepare the ground for the transfer of Iranian gas by implementing the Nabucco pipeline project passing through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary.
The pipeline would provide an alternative energy source for the European Union and the EU would not let it be affected by short-lived political issues. Moreover, the Nabucco project will also provide the opportunity to transfer energy resources from the Caspian Sea, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and even the Persian Gulf to Europe.
That is why Tehran hopes that the memorandum of understudying signed by Iran and the Austrian company OMV will soon be implemented.
Iran values the independence of the Austrian government in regard to this deal, which is valued at about 18 billion dollars.
In light of the great potential for cooperation, Iran and Austria should take steps to ensure a bright future for their relationship.
October 26 is Austrian National Day. On this occasion we congratulate the cultured Austrian nation, their government, and the political, economic, and cultural representatives of this friendly country in Tehran and hope for further expansion of the historical relations between the two nations