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Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a two-day official visit to Austria on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. The visit marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-Austria relations, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. This is the first official visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Austria in recent history, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening cooperation and exploring recent avenues for collaboration.

The prime minister’s trip aims to bolster bilateral relations and enhance trade and investment opportunities between Pakistan and Austria. Discussions are expected to center on matters of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on economic cooperation and sustainable development. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking to diversify its economic partnerships and attract foreign investment and Austria represents a key European partner in these efforts.

Pakistani Delegation in Vienna

Accompanying Prime Minister Sharif on this important diplomatic mission is a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. The presence of these key figures underscores the importance Pakistan places on the discussions and outcomes of the visit.

During his stay in Vienna, the prime minister will engage in both bilateral and delegation-level talks with Chancellor Stocker at the Federal Chancellery. These discussions are anticipated to cover a wide range of topics, including regional security, climate change, and opportunities for increased collaboration in areas such as technology and renewable energy. Both leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to fostering a strong and mutually beneficial partnership.

Boosting Trade and Investment

A key component of the visit will be a joint meeting co-chaired by Prime Minister Sharif and Chancellor Stocker, bringing together leading business figures from both countries. This meeting is specifically designed to enhance trade and investment ties, identifying potential areas for growth and addressing any obstacles hindering economic cooperation. Pakistan is keen to attract Austrian investment in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and tourism.

Following the business meeting, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to address the Austria Business Forum, where he will highlight Pakistan’s economic potential and the investment opportunities available to Austrian companies. He is expected to outline the government’s policies aimed at creating a favorable business environment and attracting foreign direct investment. The forum provides a platform for Pakistani businesses to showcase their capabilities and connect with potential partners.

International Cooperation and Sustainable Development

The prime minister’s agenda also includes participation in a special event organized by the United Nations in Vienna, focusing on the theme of “Sustainable Development: The Path to Global Peace and Prosperity.” This event will provide an opportunity for Pakistan to share its experiences and perspectives on achieving sustainable development goals and promoting global peace. Pakistan has been a strong advocate for international cooperation on issues such as climate change and poverty reduction.

In addition to bilateral meetings and the UN event, Prime Minister Sharif is also scheduled to meet with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Discussions will focus on issues related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and international cooperation in this field. The IAEA plays a crucial role in promoting the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

Officials anticipate that this official visit will open new avenues of collaboration and inject fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Austria. The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its ties with European partners and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation across a range of sectors. The focus on trade, investment, and sustainable development reflects Pakistan’s priorities for economic growth and international engagement.

As Prime Minister Sharif concludes his visit, the focus will shift to the implementation of the agreements and understandings reached during the talks. The coming months will be crucial in translating the positive momentum generated by this visit into concrete actions and tangible benefits for both Pakistan and Austria. Continued dialogue and collaboration will be essential to ensure the long-term success of this strengthened partnership.

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Quebec’s cégep system, a cornerstone of the province’s educational landscape, is receiving renewed attention not only for its role in fostering culture générale but also for its potential long-term benefits to cognitive health. Recent research suggests a strong correlation between completing post-secondary education at the cégep level and a delayed onset of dementia.

A test of memory completed by 30,000 readers of Le Journal de Montréal revealed a significant protective effect of cégep-level education against cognitive decline. Dr. Ziad Nasreddine, a neurologist specializing in Alzheimer’s disease and affiliated with Charles-LeMoyne Hospital in Longueuil, explained the findings, stating, “If you have children, school protects their brain for the future.” The study, utilizing the Xpresso test, an online cognitive assessment, highlights the lasting impact of education on brain health as individuals age.

The Xpresso Test and Key Findings

In January, Le Journal de Montréal launched the Xpresso test, a brief evaluation designed to assist individuals assess their memory function. The results, analyzed from over 33,000 participants, demonstrated a clear trend: higher levels of education were associated with better performance on the test. Interestingly, the impact of education wasn’t noticeable in participants under 45 years traditional. However, as respondents aged, the gap in test scores between those with varying levels of education widened considerably. The data indicates that a stronger educational background can effectively delay the manifestation of cognitive impairment as measured by the Xpresso test. More details about the study are available here.

According to Dr. Nasreddine, it’s not simply the act of schooling itself that provides protection, but rather the enduring effect of education on cognitive resilience. “It’s not the schooling that helps to pass the test, but the effect of schooling on cognitive loss is enormous. Less-educated people decline much more at 75 or 80 years old,” he stated.

Cégep’s Role in Quebec’s Educational System

The cégep system in Quebec is widely regarded as a vital component of the province’s commitment to accessible and comprehensive education. Recent commentary emphasizes the cégep’s role in embodying the ideal of culture générale and serving as a pillar of democratic society. The system provides a two-year pre-university or vocational training program, preparing students for university studies or direct entry into the workforce.

Recent discussions have also focused on the evolving relationship between cégeps and universities. Some university programs have added a fourth year of study, leading to concerns that universities may view the cégep experience as redundant. This trend has sparked debate about the value and recognition of cégep education within the broader higher education framework.

Looking Ahead

The findings from the Xpresso test provide compelling evidence of the long-term cognitive benefits of education, specifically highlighting the protective effect of completing studies at the cégep level. As Quebec continues to invest in its educational system, these results underscore the importance of ensuring access to quality education for all citizens. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms by which education contributes to cognitive resilience and to identify strategies for maximizing these benefits throughout the lifespan.

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