Ambassador Johann Brieger began his diplomatic career at the age of 30. From his first assignment in 1992 at the Austrian Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he rose through the ranks to become ambassador of Austria to Kosovo (2011-2015), South Africa (2018-2022), and Philippines (present).

Before his appointment as ambassador, he served at the Austrian Embassy in Nairobi (Kenya) and Paris (France). Brieger has been honored with the French Ordre national du Mérite with the rank of Chevallier.

Arriving in August, Brieger was overwhelmed by the friendliness and hospitality of the Filipino people.

There is a very rich and diverse fabric of connections between Austria and the Philippines historically. The revitalization of business relations in the postpandemic recovery represents an important element in our two countries’ bilateral relations. Latest figures are promising and show the right trajectory. Brieger looks forward to not only tapping into the legacy of the visits of the Vienna Boys Choir to Manila, but also to what can be done with the friends of the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines and the Manila Symphony Orchestra. The former’s founder and one of the first conductors of the latter were Austrians.

Brieger is always curious and eager to meet and to engage with people coming from different walks of life. He looks forward to visiting the provinces and learn more about their beauty, and also the challenges of his current home. —CONTRIBUTED INQ