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Opening a restricted meeting with the Austrian President, Vladimir Putin underlined the successful development of trade and economic relations between the two countries. He expressed satisfaction with the fact that representatives of Russian and Austrian security agencies had met during Thomas Klestil’s official visit to Russia.

At the talks with the delegations’ participation, the two countries’ leaders spoke in favour of a further expansion of economic cooperation.

They discussed ways to ensure equal access for Russian producers to the Austrian market. Vladimir Putin and Thomas Klestil declared the need to create a single economic space in Europe. Austria supported Russia’s intention to join the World Trade Organisation.

The sides discussed the situation on the world arena revealing the similarity of positions on missile defence issues. In Russia’s opinion, the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the 1972 ABM Treaty will disrupt the strategic balance that has evolved in the world.

After the meeting, Vladimir Putin read a statement on the results of the talks and answered journalists’ questions.