The Austrian Foreign Minister and the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, met today for talks in Vienna on current bilateral and international topics. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Lavrov, Schallenberg also addressed the human rights situation in Russia. In addition, he touched upon the annexation of Crimea in violation of international law. Despite the tense relations between Russia and the European Union, the two Foreign Ministers also emphasised the positive aspects of the relations between Russia and the EU.
Even though we are not always on the same side, the bridge between us has never collapsed. Russia is and will remain part of the European reality, and, geographically, it is our largest neighbour. There are many areas where we can work together without conflict: Just think of energy and climate policy, or even the talks with Iran,
said Alexander Schallenberg, highlighting the importance of maintaining a dialogue between Russia and Europe. Furthermore, the two foreign ministers discussed the political situation in Libya and Afghanistan as well as the progress of nuclear talks with Iran.
In the press conference following the ministers’ meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the two countries’ close economic relations and their good collaboration in the field of energy. He also highlighted the civil society exchange through the Sochi Dialogue and the Austrian-Russian Historical Commission. The Russian Foreign Minister likewise mentioned his interest in an ongoing dialogue with Austria.
We have an interest in continuing the dialogue with our Austrian partners regarding further items on the international agenda,
said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg reminded his Russian counterpart of Austria’s role as an integral part of the European Union. Austria and the EU, he said, would not stop defending their values.
Fundamental rights, such as the right to free expression, cannot be considered a threat in any country in the world,
affirmed Alexander Schallenberg.
In the course of his two-day visit to Austria, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also meet with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, members of the Austrian-Russian “Sochi Dialogue” civil society forum, and economic representatives as well as the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
