Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's working visit to Vienna
On August 25-26, 2021 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov paid a working visit to Vienna, during which he had a conversation with Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria Sebastian Kurz, talks with Minister of European and Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg, meetings with the chairmen of the coordinating committee of the Russian-Austrian Public Forum ‘Sochi Dialogue’, representatives of Austrian business community and Russian compatriots living in the country. Sergey Lavrov also laid a wreath on the memorial to the Soviet soldier-liberator on Vienna's Schwarzenbergplatz square.
A set of bilateral issues, in particular concerning trade and economic relations, cultural and humanitarian contacts, was discussed during the meeting. Attention was paid to bilateral cooperation in the fight against a new coronavirus infection, relations between the EU and Russia, the situation in Afghanistan and Belarus.
On August 25, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a joint press conference with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. Mr. Schallenberg noted the importance of maintaining and developing bilateral cooperation between Russia and Austria at a high level, keeping an open conversation between the two states; he also highlighted the merit of the Russian-Austrian Public Forum "Sochi Dialogue" in embodying this mission.
"I appreciate the open unpretentious dialogue, the atmosphere that allows us to discuss topics which we do not share the same opinion on. And these conversations take place at all levels, and the Sochi Dialogue is especially important for us," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria.
The Russian Foreign Minister also paid special attention to the Sochi Dialogue as one of the key venues for strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and Austria, and pointed to the gradual transition to the practical implementation stage of the Russian-Austrian Year of Literature and Theater 2021-2022, in which the Forum will take an active part.
"We highly appreciate the cultural and humanitarian ties that have continued, although mostly in a distant format. At the same time, their intensity has even increased. The Russian-Austrian Public Forum "Sochi Dialogue" played a noticeable role in it. Due to the forum scientists, experts, students and schoolchildren are involved in this useful activity," the minister stated. The program of the joint cross Year of Literature and Theater is being implemented. During my visit I plan to discuss relevant plans with the "Sochi Dialogue" activists and representatives of the business community".