To celebrate the founding anniversary of Welcome to Austria, the Board of Welcome to Austria in cooperation with SOCIETY Magazine invited to a Garden Reception in the presence of Benita Ferrero-Waldner, former Foreign Minister of Austria, founding president of Welcome to Austria and former European Commissioner for external relations and neighbourhood policy, who planted a „Welcome to Austria apple tree“ in the wonderful garden of Villa Flora of Gertrud Tauchhammer. In perfect weather, the official part of the event started with welcome words by Gertrud Tauchhammer, board member of WA and publisher of SOCIETY Magazine, who passed the microphone to Maria Kuglitsch, Vice President of WA. Ambassador Maximilian Hennig, Chief of Protocol of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, also held a short speech pointing out the important work WA is doing for spouses of diplomats and international civil servants accredited to Austria.
Then, guest of honor Benita Ferrero-Waldner also addressed the international guests. Her speech was followed by the official tree planting ceremony in the framework of which an apple tree – which stands for a long life – was planted in the garden of Villa Flora. Afterwards, the guests had the chance to talk and exchange their experiences, accompanied by delicious fingerfood by Molo Catering.
***Special thanks to our sponsor Schlumberger***