The President reached Vienna, the capital city of Austria In second leg of her eight days visit to Switzerland and Austria on Tuesday night. Mrs Pratibha Devisingh Patil was received by Mr. Karlheinzer Tockteler, the Austrian Minister for science and research at the airport and was given 21 gun salute.

Earlier in an impressive show, Air India 1 carrying the delegation was escorted by two Eurofighter Typhoons from Austrian border to Vienna airport. AIR Correspondent reports that Pratibha Devi Singh Patil will stay in Austria for 4 days.

Smt. Patil’s visit to Austria is first presidential visit after a gap of 12 years. During her visit she will meet with her Austrian counterpart Mr. Heinz Fischer and Federal Chancellor Mr. Werner Faymann. She will also meet with President of the National Council Ms. Barbara Prammer at Austrian Parliament.

An MOU on technology specific cooperation in the field of railways will be signed besides another MOU between Ministry of science and technology, Govt. of India and Austrian Science Fund. Smt. Patil will also address Austrian Indian Economic Forum and Indian Community settled in Austria.

Briefing the press on conclusion of president’s visit to Switzerland, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs , Shri M Ganapati told that the president’s visit to Switzerland was highly successful and it is hoped it will further enhance mutual cooperation between these two countries in various areas.

Mr. Ganpati further informed that India has completed all formalities relating to ratification and entry into force of Protocol Amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). He said that the Swiss President informed her counterpart that the DTTA will come into force after fulfilling constitutional formalities.

The President Pratibha Devisingh Patil hoped that the Swiss side would ensure that Protocol is entered into force expeditiously and that it is implemented effectively.