Czech, Austrian presidents meet in Vienna, discuss Russian row, energy, transport

Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen supports Prague’s position in the ongoing diplomatic row with Moscow, he said following a meeting on Thursday in Vienna with his Czech counterpart, Miloš Zeman, to discuss bilateral relations.

Zeman, considered pro-Russia, praised Van der Bellen’s “balanced approach”. The two presidents also discussed the proposed expansion of nuclear energy in Czechia, construction of a Danube-Oder-Elbe canal, and improving motorway connections between the neighbouring states.

Zeman futher said he would welcome the opening of a Czech House, a kind of national cultural centre, in Vienna.