Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and??Austria’s new Ambassador to Barbados, Thomas Schuller-Gotzberg, chatting durig the courtesy call.??????????
Cultural exchanges, increased tourism, and renewable energy projects were the main issues discussed yesterday, during a courtesy call between Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and newly appointed Ambassador of Austria, Thomas Schuller-Gotzberg.??????
During the talks, the acting Prime Minister made reference to Austria’s rich cultural heritage, especially in the area of music. He suggested that cultural exchanges should be organised so that Barbadians could benefit from Austria’s experience.
The repositioning of Barbados in the Austrian tourism market was also a matter of focus. Noting that this market had once been vibrant, Mr. Stuart said the re-establishment of air links would be necessary in order to recapture it.
The discussions also centred on cooperation in disaster relief. The acting Prime Minister thanked Mr. Schuller-Gotzberg for his country’s assistance and meaningful participation in activities with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.
In addition, the Ambassador proposed that there be cooperation in the area of renewable energy and recommended that Austria’s renewable energy base in Grenada could be used to explore a pilot project.
Mr. Stuart said the relationship between the two nations, which dated back to 1967 when diplomatic relations were established, had been working smoothly and added that he looked forward to it being strengthened.