kremlin.ru
Austria today plays a role of central transportation hub of Russian natural gas to Europe, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his words, this country is of great importance for securing safety in the field of energetics all over Europe. He made this statement after the meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander van der Bellen, RIA Novosti reports. It was held during the working visit of the Russian President to Vienna.
For these 50 years, more than 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas were exported to the Austrian market, Russian President said.
He has underlined that the Austrian partners support plans on extending gas supplies by gas pipeline the Northern Flow-2 and other infrastructure projects. Vladimir Putin has added that this question is to be discussed with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.
Another topic for discussion is sanctions. President is sure that the sanctions do harm both parties. They are harmful equally to those introducing them and to those under the sanctions. Everybody including Russia wants them to be lifted.
The problem of credibility gap is not typical of Russia. Moscow is ready for an open dialogue with Europe, everybody is interested in it, Putin said.
Besides, Russian and Austrian Presidents discussed the situation in Ukraine and in Syria.
Russkiy Mir
