OREANDA-NEWS. November 11, 2009. “Relations between our countries have been progressing. Unfortunately, the global economic crisis has affected our economic ties, but the general dynamics is positive.”

Vladimir Putin: Mr Chancellor, colleagues, we are happy to see you in Moscow. Welcome.

Relations between our countries have been progressing. Unfortunately, the global economic crisis has affected our economic ties, but the general dynamics is positive.

Austria is a major investor in the Russian economy, and although trade decreased at the beginning of the year, it is now gradually surging back. It amounted to nearly \\$5.5 billion last year, and we hope to regain that level soon.

There are major projects of mutual interest. I am happy to have this opportunity to discuss these issues with you.

Werner Faymann (as translated): Thank you for inviting us here. We have met before, in Vienna.

Vladimir Putin (in German): Yes, we did, in 2005.

Werner Faymann: Some things have changed since then. As you said, the crisis has created problems for all of us. Our current goal is to find a way to prevent a repetition of such crises. We should think about this like any good doctor would.

There are many Austrian companies working in Russia. I met with their leaders yesterday at a party in the Embassy.

One of the guests was Mr Yakunin (Vladimir Yakunin, president of state-run monopoly Russian Railways). We have a big and interesting project under way with Russian Railways.

We have many issues for discussion. Thank you for this opportunity to consider them jointly with you.