Austria, Russia Attribute Value to Cooperation Amid Political Challenges

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Daria Chernyshova — Austrian President Heinz Fischer’s visit to Russia has proven the importance that the two countries attribute to the bilateral cooperation, the Austrian ambassador to Russia told Sputnik, adding that cooperation is paramount particularly when the challenges persist.

"Austria has a very consistent position that dialogue has to continue especially in times that are politically challenging, and it was proven by this visit," Emil Brix said. "The visit served to paint a clear picture of both Austrian and Russian position on current bilateral and also, maybe more importantly, international issues, like the crisis in Ukraine, Syria, terrorism, migration."

On Wednesday, the Austrian leader met in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The sides deemed the talks constructive and productive. The delegation headed by the Austrian president included the country’s foreign minister, minister of justice, minister of agriculture and the state secretary of the federal chancellery among other members.

"On the Russian side, the impression was that the high level participation was the expression of the high value attributed to developing our bilateral cooperation," Brix said.

The ambassador stressed that the presidents had also identified areas of interest for further cooperation in fields like science, culture, tourism, economy and energy.

"My take is that both sides agreed that the visit was important and successful, and one can see that already from the high level participation," Brix said.

Fischer arrived in Moscow on Tuesday on an official visit at Putin’s invitation.