Russia open to cooperation with EU: Putin

Vienna, June 5 (IANS) The Russian President said on Tuesday that his country was ready for cooperation with the European Union.

Vladimir Putin spoke to the press in the Austrian capital Vienna alongside his Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen, reports Efe news.

"We are completely open to working with Europe," said Putin, adding that EU-imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions were damaging to both parties.

Van der Bellen said dialogue and improved bilateral relations with Russia were important, not only on a trade level, but also in the realms of society and culture.

The trip to Austria was the Russian President's first foreign visit since he took his fourth term in office last month.

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