Q: Would you speak on the Russian-Austrian relations in view of the forthcoming visit of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Austria, Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner to Russia scheduled for October 1-2nd.

A: Russian-Austrian relations are developing in a positive direction. We regard Austria as one of Russia's major European partners and we are planning to apply a constructive method to building up our relations with Austria.

We attach great importance to regular contacts, both at high and top levels, which have become quite frequent lately. Our countries have exchanged presidential visits, meetings between the heads of government, the chairmen of both houses of Parliament, various ministers and regional leaders were held. It's not the first time Ms. Benita Ferrero-Waldner comes to Russia. She visited Russia in 2002, as the OSCE Chairwoman-in-Office.

The present visit picks up the line of regular meetings between the Russian and Austrian Foreign Ministers. It provides an opportunity for taking up the discussion on a wide range of bilateral and international issues. The high degree of intensity of the political dialogue testifies to both the quality of the bilateral relations and mutual desire to enhance them.

Austria will take an active part in the celebration of the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg, including the cultural events scheduled for the occasion.

The Russian Fund for Mutual Understanding and Reconciliation has established cooperation with the Austrian Fund for Reconciliation. As a result Austria has agreed to pay voluntary contributions to the Russian citizens engaged in forced labor on Austrian territory during WWII.

Q: What is the role of economic and trade ties in building up bilateral cooperation?

A: Russian-Austrian trade and economic ties are developing dynamically. Last year's estimates show a 10% increase in the turnover compared to the 2000 figures. The 2001 turnover amounted to USD 2 billion. At present a noticeable growth of Austrian investment in Russia is being observed. Both sides intend to seek opportunities for building up economic cooperation whose potential has not yet been exhausted.

In particular, I mean improving the turnover structure by increasing the share of highly-processed products and high-end technologies in the Russian export, and extending industrial cooperation. Russia has given Austria a list of investment projects and Russian high-end companies interested in extending their business activity in the Austrian market.

Q: What international issues are likely to be central to the meeting between the Russian and Austrian Foreign Ministers?

A: The ministers will exchange opinions on the key issues of European and international politics, discuss prospects of settling regional conflicts and prospects for further cooperation between the two states in this field.

It's worth noting that Austria intends to promote Russia's cooperation with the European Union. We count on understanding and support of Russia's legal interests and the rights of its citizens regarding the issue of the survival of the Kaliningrad Region in the light of the EU expansion.

On the whole, Russia is delighted with the level of cooperation with Austria in international affairs which is built on sharing views on various key international issues.