Spindelegger: “Russia now among top 10 Austrian trading partners”

Vienna, 24 April 2012 – Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger received the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Viktor Zubkov on April 24^th. In 2007/2008, Zubkov acted as Russia’s Prime Minister and one his main spheres of responsibility today is foreign trade.

“Austria and Russia have a tradition of close and dynamic economic relations. These close relationships are not only reflected in the high volume of Austrian capital expenditure in Russia but have also moved up Russia in the ranking of Austria’s foreign trade partners. With a bilateral trade volume of some 6 billion euros, Russia is now among the top ten international trading partners”, Spindelegger said. “The energy sector plays an important role here, but also the Olympic Games in Sochi where Austrian companies are contributing a major share to infrastructure construction. Russia recently joined the WTO and this will certainly contribute to even closer economic ties and networking.”

Spindelegger also used the meeting to discuss the route layout of the South Stream gas pipeline, bilateral air traffic negotiations and a more intensive cooperation in the framework of the bilateral modernisation partnership established in May 2011.

The Vice-Chancellor also referred to the European Union’s expectations in matters of fundamental rights. “We are convinced that a sustained, positive economic and social development must go hand in hand with the corresponding development of democracy and human rights. I therefore hope the Russian government will introduce further reform measures also in these areas in the future.”

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