Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Austrian National Day. Putin’s congratulatory messages were passed to them through the Russian embassy in Vienna.

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on Austrian National Day, which marks the day when a constitutional law on permanent neutrality was passed," Putin said. "It is with satisfaction that I note the constructive nature of Russian-Austrian relations. I am confident that by working together, we will boost bilateral dialogue and fruitful cooperation in various areas for the sake of our countries’ people and in the interest of European security and stability. I wish good health and every success to you and prosperity to the Austrian people," the Russian president added.

The Austrian parliament passed the constitutional law on permanent neutrality on October 26, 1955, in order to ensure country’s independence and territorial integrity. The law says that Austria will maintain and protect its neutrality through all available means, will never join any military unions and will not allow foreign states to set up military bases on its territory.

Austria’s declaration of neutrality became possible after the victorious states of World War II had withdrawn their troops from the country in 1955. Since then, Austrian National Day has been celebrated on October 26.