Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali announced on Sunday that Hasina will engage in bilateral talks with her Austrian counterpart during the upcoming conference in Vienna. The conference, titled "International Conference on the Technical Cooperation Programme: Sixty Years and Beyond – Contributing to Development", will be attended by leaders from various continents. Hasina and her delegation will depart from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a special Biman Bangladesh flight at 9am. Ali emphasized that Hasina's participation will underscore Bangladesh's dedication to global peace and enhance the country's reputation, as Bangladesh advocates for the peaceful application of nuclear energy. In 1972, Bangladesh joined the IAEA with the help of the late nuclear scientist Dr MA Wazed Miah, who was the husband of the prime minister at the time. The prime minister is expected to discuss in her speech how the IAEA's technical cooperation program has been beneficial for Bangladesh in improving its atomic energy capabilities, socio-economic development, and sustainable development. She will also emphasize the importance of science and technology in achieving a 'digital Bangladesh'. The foreign minister noted that Austria was among the first countries to officially recognize Bangladesh in 1972. The former Austrian Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky showed his support for Bangladesh, leading to Hasina presenting him with the 'Friends of Liberation War Honor Award' in 2012. In 2014, Bangladesh established a resident mission in Vienna. As part of the government's 'broader engagement with Europe Policy,' steps have been taken to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation with Austria. Additionally, Hasina is anticipated to have a bilateral meeting with Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Kern. Foreign Minister Ali stated that during the prime minister's visit, discussions will cover agriculture and livestock cooperation, starting direct flights, holding regular diplomatic consultations, as well as trade, investment, and sustainable development. Additionally, they will address global issues such as terrorism, migration, refugee crisis, climate change, and the post-Brexit Europe situation. A memorandum of understanding on foreign office consultations will also be signed during the visit, and Prime Minister Hasina will have a courtesy call with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ali expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen bilateral relations. The prime minister is scheduled to depart from Vienna on Tuesday evening and return to Dhaka on Wednesday morning. Besides the foreign minister, the minister of science and technology will be accompanying the prime minister on her visit.