Five Decades of Austrian–Vietnamese Friendship
The Gesellschaft Österreich Vietnam – today internationally known as the Austrian Vietnamese Association (AVA) – emerged in the autumn of 1975, shortly after the end of the Vietnam War.
Over five decades, the Association has developed from a cross-party solidarity movement and humanitarian reconstruction initiative into a bilateral platform for dialogue, culture, science, education and economic cooperation between Austria and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Founded in a Spirit of Solidarity and Peace
In October 1975, the Gesellschaft Österreich Vietnam was constituted at the Albert Schweitzer Haus in Vienna. Its formal registration under Austrian association law followed in early 1976.
The Association grew out of Austria’s solidarity and peace movement and brought together an unusually broad spectrum of civil society. Students, church-based aid organisations and representatives of different political traditions joined forces in support of Vietnam and its post-war reconstruction.
Among the organisations involved were the Austrian Peace Council, Caritas, Volkshilfe, the VSStÖ, the Socialist Freedom Fighters, the Communist Party of Austria and the Federation of Democratic Women.
The Founding Presidium
- Prim. DDr. Georg Fuchs – radiologist and resistance fighter
- Prof. Josef Hindels – trade unionist, educator and resistance fighter
- Univ.-Doz. DDr. Johannes Dantine – Protestant theologian, later senior church official
One of the key historical figures of the early period was Georges Wächter, also known as “Hồ Chí Thọ”, who had spent ten years in Vietnam working alongside the independence movement and was closely associated with Ho Chi Minh.
The Association’s first premises were provided by Southeast Asia merchant Franz Richter in Vienna’s third district. The first secretaries, Albert Hirsch and Annie Friedler, established the organisational structures of the new Association.
Humanitarian Assistance and Reconstruction
During the 1980s and 1990s, the Association’s work focused strongly on the consequences of the war and on humanitarian reconstruction. Medical assistance, support for orphaned children and initiatives for people affected by chemical defoliants – particularly Agent Orange – became central areas of activity.
A particularly important partnership developed with terre des hommes. With the significant involvement of long-standing GÖV Vice President Milo Roten, numerous schools, kindergartens and social-care projects were realised, especially in the Mekong Delta province of Bến Tre.
During these years, the Association also became firmly embedded in Austrian civil society. Personalities from politics, academia, journalism, culture and church organisations contributed to its work and strengthened its public profile.
Among those involved were Irma Schwager, Alfred Gusenbauer, Adalbert Krims, Helmut Kramer, Peter Kreisky, Christa Esterházy, Helmut Opletal and Emanuel J. Ringhoffer.
From Solidarity to Long-Term Bilateral Relations
In 1998, former Austrian Foreign Minister Dr. Peter Jankowitsch assumed the presidency of the Association. His presidency marked a new phase in which the organisation increasingly developed from a solidarity movement into a permanent platform for Austrian–Vietnamese dialogue and cooperation.
During this period, the Association strengthened its relations with Vietnamese institutions, friendship organisations and diplomatic representatives. In recent years, this cooperation has also included close relations with the Vietnam–Austria Friendship Association (VAFA).
As an active member of the Federation of Austrian-Foreign Societies – PaN (Partner of All Nations), the GÖV became part of a broader Austrian network dedicated to international understanding and was recognised with the PaN Award for its bridge-building work.
For many years, Ingrid Rauch played an important role as Secretary General, shaping the Association’s operational activities, coordinating projects and maintaining the continuity of cultural and bilateral exchange.
A Modern Platform for Cooperation
At the end of 2022, the Association entered a new phase of development and generational transition. Southeast and East Asia expert Dr. Alfred Gerstl assumed the presidency, while Markus Toyfl, MAS, MSc became Secretary General.
Former President Dr. Peter Jankowitsch was appointed Honorary President, ensuring continuity between the Association’s long-standing tradition and its new strategic direction.
Today, the Austrian Vietnamese Association acts as a modern bilateral platform connecting people, institutions and organisations from both countries. Its activities are increasingly structured around three core areas:
- Business – supporting economic dialogue, delegations, institutional contacts and opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
- Science & Education – fostering expert dialogue, academic exchange, knowledge transfer and cooperation between institutions.
- Culture – creating visibility, encounters and opportunities for artistic, literary and cultural exchange between Austria and Vietnam.
This transformation reflects the changing nature of Austrian–Vietnamese relations: from post-war solidarity and humanitarian assistance to a broad and forward-looking partnership spanning society, diplomacy, culture, science and business.
Continuity, Commitment and Generational Change
The history of the Association has been shaped by people who combined long-term commitment to Austrian–Vietnamese relations with changing priorities and new forms of cooperation.
Founding Presidium
Prim. DDr. Georg Fuchs
Prof. Josef Hindels
Univ.-Doz. DDr. Johannes Dantine
Early Secretaries:
Albert Hirsch · Annie Friedler
President
BM a.D. Dr. Peter Jankowitsch
Secretary General
Ingrid Rauch
President
Dr. Alfred Gerstl
Secretary General
Markus Toyfl, MAS, MSc
Recognising Extraordinary Commitment
Irma Schwager · long-standing Honorary President
Christa Esterházy · appointed in 2018
Dr. Peter Jankowitsch · appointed in 2022
From Solidarity to Partnership
The role of the Austrian Vietnamese Association has changed considerably since 1975. Its underlying principle, however, has remained constant: bringing people together, strengthening mutual understanding and creating lasting connections between Austria and Vietnam.