MOSCOW, December 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday in Kremlin talks with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel that he hoped Austria's six-month EU chairmanship in 2006 would further boost relations between the alliance and Russia.
"We look forward to Austria's upcoming presidency in the EU," Putin said. "During Britain's chairmanship [in the EU], we have made considerable progress in developing our relations, for example, in establishing four common spaces. We hope this trend will continue."
The president added that trade turnover between Russia and Austria might reach $2.5 billion this year, a record high in the history of bilateral economic relations. Putin also noted a rise in Austrian investment in Russia.
Schuessel said that Austria, as EU chair, would continue cooperation with Russia in the spheres of the economy, environment, security, and transportation, and said he would like to discuss several international issues, including the situation involving Iran, developments in the Middle East, and Afghanistan.
The chancellor said the EU and Russia should make preparations for 2007, when their partnership and cooperation treaty would expire.
Putin handed the Austrian chancellor a copy of the May 15, 1955 treaty signed by the Soviet Union and other occupying powers that resumed Austrian independence following WWII. The original copy of the treaty, which has been kept in Russia, was displayed at two expositions in Vienna in the last two months. The Russian leader said the transfer was not a common diplomatic practice but that the Austrian people should know what lay at the base of their country's statehood.
Schuessel hailed Russia's gesture as one of enormous importance for his country.
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