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President Putin called for a diversification of economic ties between Russia and Austria. He noted that last year trade between the two countries had grown to $1.9 billion. The President pointed out that political contacts between the two countries were active and intensive at all levels, including parliamentary and government levels.

In turn, Mr Schuessel pointed to Russia’s constructive role in the world following the September 11 events in the United States. Austria and the EU as a whole are watching reform in Russia with great interest, the Chancellor said. He pointed out that bilateral relations were free of problems and held out good prospects.

Mr Schuessel expressed his gratitude to Russia for rehabilitating Austrian victims of political reprisals. That gesture gave their honest name back to thousands of Austrians, the Chancellor said.

He voiced his support for Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organisation. In the course of the conversation, Mr Putin and Mr Schuessel paid a lot of attention to Russia’s relations with the European Union.