Mr Putin congratulated Mr Fischer on his election to the high government post.
In his message the Russian leader expressed hope that “joint efforts would ensure the further development and deepening of the neighbourly partnership between Russia and Austria and continued constructive interaction in every field.”
President Putin also sent a message to the outgoing Federal President of Austria Thomas Klestil in which he expressed “appreciation for the trusting contacts and close interaction that marked Russian-Austrian relations over a long period of time.”