DR Mahathir Mohamad today welcomed more foreign direct investment from Austria, apart from strengthening Malaysia’s bilateral relationship with the European Union country.

The prime minister said a 40-minute meeting with Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna focused on economic issues.

“There are more things Austria can offer and Austria is a very good market for Malaysian products. We will also welcome more foreign direct investment from Austria.

“We know that the trade volume is not very high but it is substantial. So, investments can increase the volume of trade between the two countries,” he said at a joint press conference with Kurz after the meeting.

Dr Mahathir said Austria had also been involved with the Langkawi cable car project.

“(Hopefully), more Austrian tourist will come to Malaysia. A lot of  Malaysians love music from (Austria),” Dr Mahathir said.

Meanwhile, Kurz, the youngest leader in the world at 32, said he was grateful for the meeting with Dr Mahathir, the oldest leader in the world. 

“As a young leader, I have much to learn from him. I am grateful to meet the most experienced and oldest leader in the world. I thanked him for taking the time to meet me.

“We see great potential with Malaysia in the energy and infrastructure sector. We can also work to improve our relationship and intensify bilateral and economic (ties) in the future,” he said.

Kurz said Austria’s annual investment in Malaysia amounted to €860 million (RM4 billion), with 70 companies operating in Malaysia. 

Later, Dr Mahathir met Federal President of the Republic of Austria Dr Alexander Van der Bellen in the Maria Theresa Room at the nearby Hofburg Palace. – Bernama, January 21, 2019.