JEDDAH — Several diplomats, honorary consuls for US, European, African and Asian nations, chamber of commerce officials, OIC delegates and eminent lawyers were in attendance at an event here on Monday marking Austria's National Day. Gregor W. Koessler, ambassador of Austria to Saudi Arabia, Mrs. Sigrid Koessler, and Johannes Bauernfeind, new consul at the Austrian Embassy welcomed the guests. Saleh Ali Abdulrahman Al-Turki, honorary consul of Austria in Jeddah and chairman of Nesma Group; and Mohamed Mahmoud Attar, honorary consul of Canada and head of honorary consuls, also attended the ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Mohamed Attar said Austria and Saudi Arabia share warm relations. These relations, he said, have been growing in many fields, especially economic, cultural as well as tourism. Austria has been and still is a popular destination for Saudis to spend their holidays enjoying the very nice weather and the natural beauty of the green forests and mountains and clear lake water of the Austrian cities and villages. Attar discussed areas to further boost relations between the two countries. "Saudi Arabia has a strong economy and vast investment opportunities that may be of great attraction for Austrian businessmen. They can explore areas of interest in both private and government sectors in different fields with focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education and transportation," he said. Ambassador Koessler expressed his gratitude to officials and guests and shared some information regarding Austria. Later, the ambassador along with other diplomats and dignitaries cut the ceremonial cake.
