Austria attempts to bridge gap between Brussels and Moscow

Austrian president Heinz Fischer made an official visit to Russia on 6 April 2016, the last one of his mandate in the office. The delegation consisted of the country's president, four members of the government and the president of the Chamber of Commerce, and was met by the entire Russian leadership, demonstrating the importance of the visit to both sides.

The visit took place against a backdrop of tensions between Russia and the European Union.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Austria rolls out red carpet for Putin http://www.europeansources.info/record/austria-rolls-out-red-carpet-for-putin/

ESO: Background information: How should Europe respond to Russia? The Austrian view http://www.europeansources.info/record/how-should-europe-respond-to-russia-the-austrian-view/

Russia: President: News, 06.04.16: Statements for the press following talks with Federal President of Austria Heinz Fischer http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51679

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