18 June 2015 - New Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson presented her Letters of Credence to Austrian Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer in ceremonies held at the historic Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna on June 15.
Ambassador Angara Collinson conveyed the warm wishes of President Benigno S. Aquino III to President Fischer, with President Fischer likewise giving his best wishes to President Aquino. During their private meeting, President Fischer expressed his government’s support to Ambassador Angara Collinson’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations given the long historic ties between the Philippines and Austria and, backed by the Philippines’ solid economic performance, agreed to expand bilateral relations, most especially in the economic sphere.
Ambassador Angara Collinson noted that 2016 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations. She extended an invitation to President Fischer to attend in the planned commemorative activities.
In accordance with Austrian protocol, Ambassador Angara Collinson was given military honors by an honor guard at the Inner Courtyard of the Hofburg. The ceremony was witnessed by officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and the general public.
Ambassador Angara Collinson is the eighth resident Ambassador to Austria. Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Austria were established on October 17, 1946. END