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The honour was conferred by the Austrian President, Alexander Van der Bellen, for enhancing the bilateral ties between the Organization, \u00a0its host country and the City of Vienna. The decoration was presented during a visit by the Secretary General to HE Alexander Schallenberg, Austria\u2019s Federal Minister of European and International Affairs.<\/p>\n
The decoration is bestowed on citizens and foreigners who demonstrate outstanding merits and achieve exceptional accomplishments.\u00a0It is known in German as \u2018das Grosse Silberne Ehrenzeichen am Bande f\u00fcr Verdienste um die Republik \u00d6sterreich\u2019.<\/p>\n
Minister Schallenberg emphasized OPEC\u2019s special position globally as well as in the international community in Vienna.<\/p>\n
The Minister also commended the Secretary General on the role he played and the contributions he made to strengthening relations between Austria and OPEC.<\/p>\n
In return, the Secretary General expressed his deep appreciation for the decoration and thanked the Austrian Government and people for their continuous support over the last six years, highlighting Austria\u2019s role as a host in this successful period of the Organization\u2019s history. \u201cAustria is and will continue to be my second home,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Secretary General stated that \u201cit is the honour of a lifetime to receive such a decoration. This special recognition is bestowed on all Member Countries of the Organization and the gallant staff of the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna\u201d.<\/p>\n
Barkindo also stressed Austria\u2019s close cooperation and regular consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
OPEC has enjoyed close relations with Austria since it moved its headquarters to Vienna in 1965, five years after the founding of the Organization.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n