Austrian President Heinz Fischer arrived in Malta yesterday, marking the first state visit by an Austrian head of state to the country.

Dr Fischer was accompanied by a sizeable entourage, which included an Austrian trade delegation. This delegation will take part in a Maltese/Austrian business forum this evening, in a bid to foster trade links.

Both Dr Fischer and his Maltese counterpart, George Abela, stressed that trade between the two countries was growing, and expressed their hopes that this trend would continue when they addressed the press following talks yesterday afternoon. The Austrian president pointed out that the increase in trade was not coincidental, but based on proper economic policies and good economic relations.

Dr Abela noted that Austrian investment in Malta was substantial, and included the airport – which is owned by the Vienna International Airport Group – and a number of banks.

The Maltese president also said that discussions also focused on the possibility of attracting more tourists – particularly culture tourists.

Dr Fischer, a former science minister, subsequently said that culture and science matters were also discussed. He also revealed that plans were underway to bring the renowned Vienna Philharmonic to Malta next April, although he stressed that this was still a work in progress.

Both presidents spoke about neutrality – which is entrenched in both countries’ Constitutions – with Dr Abela noting that neutrality served both countries well.

Dr Fischer also remarked on efforts to reform the Maltese Constitution, stating that discussions to address constitutional problems were also underway in Austria, and that the two countries could help each other along the way.

A state dinner was held yesterday evening, leading to the postponement of yesterday’s parliamentary session to this morning.

Today, Dr Fischer will receive courtesy calls by the prime minister and the leader of the Opposition, and will be visiting a number of tourist attractions before he attends the conclusion of the business forum.

He leaves Malta tomorrow morning.

Dr Fischer, who is 73, has been president since 2004, having previously served as science minister and as president of the National Council of Austria, one of the country’s two houses of parliament. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Austria, but suspended his party membership for the duration of his presidency.