Kurtz's new government: "We have historical responsibility for Israel, do not doubt its existence" • Minister of Economy Eli Cohen, who has visited Vienna, has signed collaborations

• Minister Cohen and his colleague in Vienna // Photo: Ministry of Economy

The Austrian government, which has only been reassembled in recent weeks under Chancellor Sebastian Kurtz, declared for the first time on Monday that it sees Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Minister of Economy Eli Cohen visited the central European country. During the visit, the Israeli ambassador presented him with a document from the incoming Austrian government, according to which the country has a special historical responsibility towards Israel.

The document reads: "Austria is committed to the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, as well as to its security, and Israel's right to exist must not be questioned."

It also stated: "We will not support initiatives and decisions in international organizations that are contrary to this commitment. Our global commitment to combating anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism includes the European plane."

Economic and commercial cooperation

Minister Cohen yesterday concluded a two-day visit to the Austrian capital, during which he made a speech to commemorate the Holocaust, chaired the Israeli delegation to the Vienna Congress and held a meeting with Austrian Economy Minister Margaret Shrambuk and other senior officials. The purpose of participating in the Vienna Congress was to deepen business and economic ties between Israel and Europe in the fields of technological innovation and development.

"The current visit is another step in strengthening the good relationship between Israel and Austria," said Cohen. "The Vienna Congress was a great opportunity to show senior officials from all over the world the great economic potential in cooperation with Israeli industry."