Pres. Sirleaf congratulates Austria on 62nd National Day

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a Congratulatory Message to her colleague, the President of the Federal Republic of Austria, His Excellency Mr. Alexander Van der Bellen, on that country’s 62nd National Day on October 26, 2017.

On October 26, each year, Austrians celebrate their country’s declaration of permanent neutrality after World War II and its regained status as an independent and sovereign nation on October 26, 1955.

The date has been celebrated as Austria’s National Day since 1965. Ten years earlier, the country had declared its permanent neutrality, which has since become one of the fundamental values of Austrian foreign policy. One day before the declaration, on October 25, 1955, the last foreign troops left the country, which had been occupied by the four allied powers (Soviet Union, United States, Great Britain and France) since the end of World War II.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia and in her own name, extended sincere greetings and congratulations to President Van der Bellen, and through him, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Austria on its 62nd National Day.

“We are delighted to join you in celebrating this auspicious occasion of the 62nd Anniversary of the Passage of the Law of Permanent Neutrality,” the Liberian leader said, adding, “For many years, Austria has continued to serve as a major international diplomatic epicenter which significantly contributes to global peace and security.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, President Sirleaf stressed that she is optimistic that the cordial relationship between the two countries and peoples will be heightened to their mutual benefits. She, again conveyed best wishes to Mr. Van der Bellen and the people of Austria, and wished them a joyful celebration.