Guest speech: Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H.E. Ali De Jesus Uzcategui Duque

At the occasion of 200 years of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and as a continuation of the IMC Ambassador Series of the IMC Export Department, under the auspices of the Chair of International, Legal and Global Political Studies, Prof. Dr. Anis Bajrektarevic invited H.E. ALÍ DE JESÚS UZCÁTEGUI DUQUE, Ambassador of Venezuela to Austria and Vienna-based IOs, to hold a guest lecture for university fellows.

Chairman Bajrektarevic warmly welcomed H.E. Ambassador by pointing out that his visit constituted a premiere in the IMC Ambassador Series. Even though a couple of previously visiting ambassadors also stem from a military background H.E. was the first general to address a speech to IMC students.

In his introduction Mr. Bajrektarevic furthermore emphasized the focus on openness of this series of events. By pointing out the mixed feelings Venezuela faces in the EU he underlined the importance of giving “out- of mainstream guests” the opportunity to share a view from their perspective with students and thus broadening their horizon and fostering a comprehensive understanding of international affairs.

Under the motto “Venezuela- Una alternetiva posibile” H.E. opened his speech, throughout which he gave a comprehensive insight into the nation’s plans for the years from 2007 to 2013, which are supposed to foster the development of “the Socialism of the 21st century” in Venezuela.

Since the speech turned out to be richer in content than expected the official question and answer session unfortunately had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, after bringing the official part to an end by posing for a family picture, the ambassador further stayed in the baroque Piaristen hall in order to willingly address questions from students.

As a farewell token of appreciation Prof. Bajrektarevic presented H.E. with a collection of the Kremser wine, a heritage of the region’s rich wine culture.

This Guest Lecture was the 83th event organized under the auspices of the Chairman Bajrektarevic. The next in-house event will take place on 8th March 2011 when Prof. Bajrektarevic is hosting H.E. Mr. Khamkheuang Bounteum, the Ambassador of Laos.

Photos: Venezuelan embassy
Text: Sebastian R. (rev. A.B.)

The script of the speech of H.E. Ali De Jesus Uzcategui Duque can be found here.
The presentation of H.E. Ali De Jesus Uzcategui Duque can be found here.

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