A Founding Conference was held in Vienna on 18 May 1999, to establish Ethio-Austria Friendship association.

The conference, which was held in the Ethiopian Embassy, was attended by both scholars and friends from Austria and Ethiopians. Dr. Claus Walter, Director General of the Central executive Department in the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs moderated the discussion.

The founding conference, after having discussed on all necessary organizational matters, elected eight executive committee members and two external auditors. Professor Horst Seidler, Head of the Humanbiology Institute was elected as president, while Mr. Hailu Yazachew, Chairman of the Fund soliciting Committee for the displaced Ethiopians and H.E. Ambassador Menbere Alemayehu were elected as Vice- and Honorary Presidents respectively.

Dr. Claus Walter, who also attended as official representative of the Ministry of Education and Culture said in his closing remarks that the request to establish the Association was responded positively by the Ministry of Interior and henceforth the association is legally acknowledged.

Furthermore he said that his Ministry made available ATS5000 for the establishment and will finance in the future projects worked out by the Association.

Prof. Hors Seidler, the elected President, said he attaches great importance to the relationship of both countries and peoples and promised to do his best to fulfill the objectives of the Association.

H.E. Ambassador Menbere said on her part that this is an historical day and thanked all and specially Dr. Walter and Professor Seidler who did a tremendous effort to realize the establishment of the Association.

On the occasion , the Embassy distributed a Press Kit on the History, Culture and Relationship of both peoples and countries.

The Ambassador then hosted a reception.