The topics of migration, energy and disaster relief were the focus of the talks that Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) held today after the opening of the general debate at the 77th UN General Assembly. The Chancellor met heads of state and government from Iraq, Pakistan, Norway and Serbia.
Nehammer primarily discussed migration issues with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Iraqi nationals have been among the top applicants for asylum since 2015, according to sources close to the chancellor. In the meantime, however, the probability of recognition of Iraqi asylum seekers in Austria is falling.
For this reason, a consistent repatriation policy is more important than ever. “However, Austria is also dependent on the countries of origin for forced returns or deportations.” Good cooperation with the countries of origin is therefore essential.
“Increase in the number of asylum applications”
Migration also dominated the conversation with Serbian President President Aleksandar Vucic. Nehammer identified an enormous “increase in the number of asylum applications from safe countries of origin for nationalities such as India and Tunisia”. The reason for this is, among other things, “the visa liberalization of Serbia towards these states”.
The Chancellor discussed with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif the consequences of the catastrophic floods caused by the persistent heavy monsoon rains. 33 million people are affected in the South Asian country, and so far there have already been more than 1,300 fatalities.
Regarding the meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Nehammer said: “For me, the talks with the Norwegian Prime Minister were also the beginning of stronger cooperation with Norway on the subject of energy security.”