VIENNA. March 14 (Interfax) - Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is holding negotiations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov behind closed doors at the presidential chancellery at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
Van der Bellen and Lavrov exchanged handshakes, had their photograph taken together, and then retired for negotiations. The meeting does not include a briefing or press conference for journalists.
A spokesperson for the Austrian president said earlier that Van der Bellen and Lavrov planned to discuss bilateral economic relations, issues related to dialogue between the European Union and Russia, and Vienna's role as the headquarters of international organizations.
Lavrov is visiting Vienna to take part in the ministerial segment of the 62nd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs.