Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif created a lighthearted diplomatic moment in New York when he engaged in a brief conversation in German with Austria’s Chancellor on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The unexpected exchange drew smiles from officials and diplomats present at the meeting.
According to reports, the Austrian Chancellor greeted PM Shehbaz in German, and to everyone’s surprise, the Pakistani premier responded fluently, showcasing his language skills. The interaction quickly became a talking point among attendees, highlighting Sharif’s personal touch in diplomacy.
Observers noted that such gestures, though symbolic, play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties and projecting a softer image of leaders on the global stage. Social media users from both Pakistan and Austria also reacted warmly, praising the prime minister for breaking the ice in an unconventional way.
The two leaders later held formal discussions on bilateral cooperation, trade opportunities, and regional developments, reaffirming the importance of strong Pakistan-Austria relations.
