President Putin greets Chancellor Schuessel in Moscow (epa)
2 December 2005 -- Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel is in Moscow today for talks with Russian leaders.
The talks are expected to focus on bilateral ties and relations between Russia and the European Union, whose six-month rotating presidency Austria will take over on 1 January.
Schuessel met today with Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and called for reinvigorating a partnership and cooperation agreement, which is due to expire in one year.
Russian news agencies quoted him as saying that for the EU, Russia is a "strategic partner."
Fradkov said Russia is seeking a constructive dialogue and cooperation in all fields.
The Austrian chancellor is due to meet President Vladimir Putin later today.
(ITAR-TASS/Interfax)