Putin Returns From Austria With Gifts: Concessions and Contracts For Russian Business
"Austria is keeping the dialogue with Russia". That's how Austrian Die Presse reviews Vladimir Putin's visit to Vienna. The agency says that it was talks with a capital "T", that a friendly welcome was reserved for the Russian leader, and that Putin had something like a home game in Vienna before the start of the World Cup. The visit was dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Soviet gas export to Austria. Now Vienna supported Nord Stream-2. Also, it prolonged the gas purchase contract with Russia up to 2040. The leaders of the two countries agreed that the next year would see multiple youth exchanges. Business contacts will further develop, too.
Pavel Zarubin's reporting.
The audience speaks volumes about the importance of the relationship with Russia for the European business. The heads of the biggest Austrian companies are attending the meeting with President Putin and Chancellor Kurz. There is no place to sit, many people are even standing. People with fortunes of millions are stretching their hands. The longer and the stronger hands, the better video of Putin's address or the better selfie with Putin. When Putin suddenly switches to German, everyone seems to film at once.
Vladimir Putin: [Speaks German ] "Friends, our cooperation is very good indeed. But it can be much, much better. We can do it, we must do it, and we will do it, but this depends on you. Thank you very much".
The Austrian chancellor also posted videos on Instagram, showing the atmosphere of Putin's visit to Austria. This photo is especially remarkable. Kurz gave Putin alpine skis with the Russian and Austrian flags on them. These details are all the more important in the light of the fact, that it is Austria that is going to take the EU Presidency. Indeed, Kurz says that Austria officially takes the EU line in the matter of anti-Russian sanctions but he promises to seek a detente in the relations.
Sebastian Kurz, Austrian chancellor: "Russia and the EU should deepen the relations so that the confrontation gradually grows to a cooperation. This will benefit both parties".
Richard Schenz, Austrian Economic Chamber VP: "Sanctions must be canceled. Trade will be thriving then. This is my dream".
The dreams of the culture community came true as early as today. The Kunsthistorisches Museum (the Museum of Fine Arts) has opened an exhibition of selected masterpieces together with the Hermitage, featuring the art collections of the imperial families of the two countries.
Vladimir Putin: "Works by Rembrandt, van Dyck, Rubens and other great artists are exhibited in substantial duos. I can't remember anything of the kind. I think we have never seen it. But it can be done only by two outstanding world-renowned museums that have collections big enough to match the pairs".
Of course, in the center of Austrian capital at Schwarzenbergplatz, Putin paid respect to the monument of military glory in honor of the Soviet warriors perished during the liberation of Vienna.
Pavel Zarubin, Alexander Medvedev, Alexander Korostelyov, Andrey Putra, Alexander Makarov, Alexandra Terpugova. Vesti, Austria