Mr Putin and Mr Figel discussed a number of bilateral trade and economic cooperation issues, in particular, a project to extend a broad-gauge railway from Kosice to Bratislava and Vienna.

The project, which involves Russian Railways (RZD), also provides for the establishment of large logistics terminals in Slovakia and Austria.

Mr Putin and Mr Figel stressed the importance of the project in terms of creating new jobs, increasing tax revenues and stimulating the development of industry and infrastructure in the participating countries.