DFA Secretary Lazaro To Attend 2026 Vienna Opera Ball

VIENNA, Austria—Philippine Foreign Minister Maria Theresa Lazaro will attend the 2026 Vienna Opera Ball as a guest in the private lodge rented by Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl‑Reisinger, marking the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Austria and the Philippines.

Before the event, the two ministers will meet with members of the Philippine community in Austria, whose contributions—especially in the care sector—have been recognized as significant since the 1970s.

Lazaro’s presence at the Opera Ball recalls the 1979 visit of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, who attended the ball with her daughter during a high‑profile cultural and diplomatic trip that included the signing of a bilateral trade agreement.

Meinl‑Reisinger is the only Austrian cabinet member renting a private lodge this year, funded through her representation budget.

Her guests will include Lazaro, Albanian Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali, diplomatic representatives, and ministry staff. The Opera Ball has long served as a venue for Austrian foreign ministers to host international counterparts.