Putin interviewed by Austrian TV ORF
Of Vladimir Putin – 05/06/2018
Source: Aurora site
In view of the visit to Austria, the President of Russia answered the questions of the presenter of the Austrian ORF, Armin Wolf.
Armin Wolf, presentatore dell’Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF): Mr President, his first visit abroad takes you to Austria. This is a sort of incentive for a benevolent policy towards Russia on the part of the Austrian government, who lashes out against new EU sanctions and has not expelled Russian diplomats over the "Skripal case"?
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: I don't think that a European state as respected as Austria needs incentives. We have long had good and deep relations with Austria. Austria is our traditional and reliable partner in Europe. Despite all the complications over the years, our dialogue in the field of politics, of security and the economy has never been interrupted. Our trade with Austria has grown by 40,5% last year. We respect Austria's position and its neutral status. Russia, Obviously, is one of the guarantors of this status, having taken part in the drafting of the State Treaty. We collaborate with the Republic of Austria in various sectors: in the economy, like I said, in politics and security. In the economy, we collaborate in various sectors. Not just energy, although I would like to say more about it later, but also in aircraft construction, aviation safety and hydroelectric engineering. More and more Austrian capital is invested in Russia. We consider it a sign of confidence in the economic policy pursued by the Government of the Russian Federation. We take on important projects. Thanks to our cooperation, Baumgarten, and therefore Austria, it has become the largest gas hub in Europe. We have many common and similar interests, so we were happy to welcome Federal Chancellor Kurtz to Russia, in February. It is from these considerations that my visit to Austria is being prepared and I hope it will take place soon. Read More