The energy supply of Europe cannot be imagined without Russia, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said.
“When it comes to energy supply of Europe and Austria, it cannot be imagined without Russia, whether someone likes it or not," he said before his visit to St. Petersburg.
In this regard, the Austrian Chancellor drew attention to the fact that there is a need for enhancing dialogue with those European partners, with which they have tense relations.
"The conduct of a dialogue is necessary because in the long run peace on our continent is possible only with Russia, and not against it," RIA Novosti cited the Austrian Chancellor as saying.
Earlier it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in St. Petersburg.
The senior research fellow at the European Research Centre of the International Relations Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Olenchenko, speaking with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that Sebastian Kurz only repeats the fact known to European leaders of the past. “Kurtz's statement corresponds to the objective realities, both European and global, although I cannot say that he was the first here. This thesis was actively promoted by De Gaulle, the leader of France,” he said.
"It is gratifying that the current Austrian Chancellor does not reject his words about the need to normalize European relations with Russia, which he said in the past. The Austrian political leadership consistently pursues a line on normalizing relations with Russia. It would good if they switch to practice as well, in particular, in the framework of the EU," Vladimir Olenchenko stressed.
Director of the Institute of Strategic Planning and Forecasting, Professor Alexander Gusev, pointed out that Kurtz’s position supported by many leaders in the European Union. "A number of other European politicians, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Czech President Milos Zeman, Finnish President Sauli Niiniste speak openly, and all other Europeans understand what Russia is - but, unfortunately, the Americans have a great influence on them, especially on the countries of old Europe," he said.
