On June 4, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz will take part in the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum via video link. In an exclusive interview with TASS on the eve of his speech, he spoke about Austria's focus on deepening economic cooperation with Russia, the importance of dialogue between Moscow and the European Union, support for Nord Stream 2, the prospect of purchasing Sputnik V and the hope for the return of Russian tourists to Austria.
— Mr. Chancellor, in April you had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which, among other things, you suggested considering Vienna as a venue for a summit of the leaders of Russia and the United States. Now, as the main European high-ranking guest, you will speak via video link at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Austria has traditionally maintained close ties with Russia. Why does Vienna consider it important to conduct a business dialogue with Moscow?
— I am glad that President Vladimir Putin invited me to take part in the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in a virtual format. I see this as a good opportunity in difficult times to emphasize not only the sustained interest of the Austrian economy in Russia, but also to remain in dialogue with Russia and its leadership.
Since 1955, Austria has traditionally favored dialogue and a willingness to negotiate across any borders. Vienna has established itself as a platform for international dialogue for decades.
— The European Union and Russia are going through a period of deep disagreements. The EU's sanctions spiral against Russia is spinning in the political and economic spheres. Do you expect the resumption of constructive cooperation between Moscow and Brussels in the future, or are the parties moving away from each other for a long time?
— We discussed the EU's relations with Russia just recently at the European Council summit on May 24. It is clear that the EU and Russia have clear differences on some issues, for example, regarding human rights or the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
At the same time, there are areas in which the EU should seek cooperation with Russia, for example, in the fight against climate change or in the field of non-proliferation [of nuclear weapons], as is currently happening at the negotiations on Iran's nuclear program in Vienna.
Both should be possible in the future: openly discuss differences and at the same time cooperate in areas of mutual interest. In the end, it is quite clear to me: peace in Europe will only be with Russia, not against it.
— Economic cooperation between Russia and Austria has suffered because of the sanctions. What areas have the potential to expand cooperation between our countries?
- Economic relations have recently suffered mainly due to the global economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as with all our other economic partners.
In any case, Russia is one of our most important trading partners outside the EU
About 600 Austrian companies operate on the Russian market. They provide jobs in both countries. Our goal is to make economic relations more active now. This is very important for export-oriented Austria and creates jobs.
- Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said in an interview that the European Union wants to establish a dialogue with Russia, but Moscow has not yet shown interest. At the same time, the Russian side makes similar statements to Brussels. It turns out that both sides recognize the need for dialogue, but expect steps from each other. Should both sides work out a road map to improve relations? If so, what would you suggest?
- [EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep] Borrel and the European Commission will present a report on the EU's relations with Russia in June. On its basis, we should then hold further discussions both within the EU and with the Russian side about our relations and cooperation opportunities.
- Austria, with the help of the OMV oil and gas concern, is participating in the implementation of the Nord Stream — 2 gas pipeline. The United States opposes its construction, threatening the participants of this project with extraterritorial sanctions. Is Nord Stream 2 still supported by Vienna?
— I am very glad that the United States no longer threatens the companies participating in the Nord Stream — 2 project with sanctions. We, like Germany, continue to support Nord Stream 2, because it meets our economic interests. Nord Stream 2 serves to diversify our energy supply routes and thus ensure Europe's energy security.
- Returning to the topic of the summit of the leaders of Russia and the United States. As it became known, the meeting will be held in Geneva. Will such a summit help strengthen stability and security in Europe?
— I am very happy that the summit of the American and Russian presidents will be held in Europe. Reducing international tensions is in the interests of Austria and Europe. Austria, as in previous years, is still ready to be a platform for dialogue between Russia and the United States at any time. I recently told President Putin about this in a telephone conversation.
— As you mentioned, the COVID-19 pandemic was the main test in Europe after the Second World War. Russia was the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine. Austria wants to buy the drug "Sputnik V" after registration in the European Union. Will the Russian drug be in demand in the EU by then?
— In March, we entered into negotiations with the Russian side on the possible purchase of Sputnik V. I am grateful to the Russian side for a very quick response and the possibility of a quick delivery.
In the [coalition] federal government, we then agreed to purchase Sputnik V after registration by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The question now is how quickly Sputnik V will be approved by the EMA and the World Health Organization. There should be no geopolitical blinkers on the issue of vaccines and cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.
- In Austria, a significant part of the coronavirus restrictions was lifted in May. When can we expect the lifting of restrictions on the entry of tourists from Russia?
— We are negotiating this with the Russian side. I hope that Russian tourists will soon be able to travel to Austria again.
- In 2020, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe from Nazism was celebrated. Austria is an example of respect for the monuments to the fallen Soviet soldiers. What can explain the careful attitude of the Austrians to the preservation of war memorials?
— We are very grateful to all our allies for the liberation from National socialism, and at the same time we bear a huge historical responsibility to the State of Israel. The care of military graves and war memorials is an important part of our culture of remembrance.
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