Helmut Tuerk, soon to be the highest ranking civil servant in Austria, will visit St. Thomas on Sunday and Monday.
Tuerk was last here two years ago at the same time President Bill Clinton visited, according to attorney James Hindels, who helped coordinate Tuerk's visit.
Clinton and Tuerk met at that time. "They are friends," Hindels said.
Tuerk is now the Austrian ambassador to the United States. When he returns to Austria, he will become the chief of staff to the Austrian president.
An honorary consulate is to be established in St. Thomas to serve Austrian citizens visiting the territory, according to Hindels.
"I am involved because my parents were Viennese," Hindels explained. "So for many years whenever people came here from Austria, they would call me."
The honorary consulate will be at Hindels' law office. It will enjoy the same privileges as any consulate, including diplomatic immunity, Hindels noted.
