Hello Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State!

Ambassador Schneebauer meets with Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska.
*Photo: Office of the Governor*

Strengthening Sister City Ties in Oregon
In Newberg, Oregon, sister city of Poysdorf in Lower Austria, Ambassador Schneebauer met with local representatives to reaffirm the close relationship between the two towns as both regions share a strong identity as wine-producing areas. Poysdorf also looks forward to welcoming a delegation from Newberg this September.

In Portland, Ambassador Schneebauer engaged with representatives from Greater Portland Inc and Business Oregon to discuss economic cooperation and explore opportunities to further strengthen Austria–Oregon business ties.

A visit to the Tillamook Creamery provided insight into Oregon’s dynamic agricultural sector, including dairy and fruit production. Honorary Consul Birgit Hayden continues to support efforts to expand trade and investment between Austria and the Western United States.

Cultural Exchange and Political Dialogue in Washington State
In Seattle, Ambassador Schneebauer joined Austrian artist Denise Stolte-Reinisch and fellow Austrians based in the city for an evening highlighting Austrian art and culture.

She also met with Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck for an exchange on Austrian foreign policy and transatlantic relations, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue at the state level.

Arctic Cooperation and Strategic Dialogue in Alaska
In Alaska, Ambassador Schneebauer participated in the Arctic Encounter Symposium, a key platform for discussions on the growing geopolitical relevance of the Arctic region. She joined members of the Senate Arctic Caucus, including Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Peter Welch of Vermont—Austria’s State Partner—to address global challenges affecting Arctic and non-Arctic countries alike.

She also held discussions with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy on energy security, with further exchanges planned in Vienna in the upcoming months.