Russia highly appreciates a frank dialogue on both bilateral and multilateral issues with Austria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said ahead of talks with his Austrian counterpart Karin Kneissl on Friday, TASS reports.
"At the moment when Europe and international relations in general undergo difficult times in economy, politics, such a direct, frank and friendly dialogue and a fair discussion on all emerging issues is the most effective response to the demands of the modern age," Lavrov stressed.
"We value that we have this sort of relations with Austria," Lavrov noted.
According to the top Russian diplomat, the two countries have "a solid tradition of bilateral relations."
Russia closely cooperated with former Austrian Foreign Minister and incumbent Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, including on bilateral issues and the activity of such international organizations as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), he said.
"We expect continuity in our relations," Lavrov said, noting that the visit of Kurz to Russia on February 28 confirmed this.