Talks with Federal Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz 2018-02-28 16:45:00 The Kremlin, Moscow Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz who is in Russia on a working visit. The two leaders discussed the current state of bilateral relations and their development prospects. Vladimir Putin and Sebastian Kurz gave a joint news conference following their talks. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Federal Chancellor, friends, First, let me thank you for accepting our invitation. To commence our conversation I would like to emphasise the special relations we have been building for many years. They influence the most important area, the economy. Last year we saw a growth in mutual trade of over 40 percent. Russian investments to Austria’s economy reached $23 billion, while Austrian investments into Russia’s economy accounted for $5 billion. We have an intergovernmental commission and other instruments that are working well. Mr Chancellor, we are delighted to see you. We have a wide range of matters of mutual interest to discuss. Federal Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz (retranslated):Mr President Putin, I heartily thank you for the opportunity to meet with you here in Moscow. As Foreign Minister, I have had the honour in recent years to enjoy good cooperation with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Ii is a pleasure to be here in Moscow as Federal Chancellor. We have a long-standing tradition of good bilateral relations. As you have said, since last year we have witnessed a positive development of economic ties, including tourism. I will be happy to discuss with you bilateral relations, their improvement, relations between the European Union and Russia, and international issues. Vladimir Putin: Thank you. <…>