Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali announced that Hasina will hold discussions with her Austrian counterpart during the upcoming conference in Vienna. Leaders from various continents will be in attendance at the "International Conference on the Technical Cooperation Programme: Sixty Years and Beyond – Contributing to Development". Hasina and her team will depart from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a special Biman Bangladesh flight at 9am. Ali stated that Hasina's presence at the conference will demonstrate Bangladesh's dedication to global peace and enhance the country's reputation, as Bangladesh prioritizes the peaceful utilization of atomic energy. Bangladesh joined the IAEA in 1972 with the assistance of late nuclear scientist Dr. MA Wazed Miah, the husband of the prime minister at the time. The current prime minister is expected to discuss in her speech the benefits of the IAEA's technical cooperation program in improving Bangladesh's atomic energy capabilities, socio-economic development, and sustainable development. Additionally, she will emphasize the importance of science and technology in advancing towards a 'digital Bangladesh'. The foreign minister noted that Austria was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh in 1972. The former Austrian Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky showed support for Bangladesh, and in 2012, Hasina presented him with the 'Friends of Liberation War Honor Award'. In 2014, Bangladesh established a resident mission in Vienna. As part of the government's strategy to strengthen ties with Europe, steps were taken to improve relations and cooperation with Austria. Hasina is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Kern. Foreign Minister Ali stated that during the upcoming visit, the prime minister will discuss areas such as agriculture and livestock cooperation, starting direct flights, and holding regular diplomatic consultations, in addition to trade, investment, and sustainable development. They will also address international issues including global terrorism, migration, refugee crisis, climate change, and the post-Brexit Europe situation. A memorandum of understanding on foreign office consultations will be signed during the visit. Prime Minister Hasina will also meet with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen for a courtesy call. Ali expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen bilateral relations. The prime minister is scheduled to depart Vienna on Tuesday evening and return to Dhaka on Wednesday morning. Other than the foreign minister, the minister in charge of science and technology will be accompanying the prime minister on her visit.