国际英语新闻：Putin lays wreaths at monument to Soviet heroes in Vienna

VIENNA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin laid wreaths at the monument to the Soviet heroes in the city center of Vienna on Sunday, in memory of the Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Austria's liberation in World War II.

On Sunday afternoon Putin, in the company of Austrian Interior Minister Maria Fekter and Defense Minister Norbert Darabos, went to Schwarzenberg Square in central Vienna to lay wreaths at the monument. He went up steps to arrange the ribbons of the wreath and stood in silent tribute to the sound of military music.

Putin arrived in Vienna for a two-day visit on Saturday afternoon. He immediately held talks with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann. Later, the two countries signed an energy deal regarding the building of a section of the planned South Stream gas pipeline on Austrian territory.

Visiting Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (C) arrives with Austrian Interior Minister Maria Fekter (L) and Austrian Defence Minister Norbert Darabos (R) for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Red Army memorial in Austrian capital Vienna April 25, 2010.

Putin also went to the Austrian presidential palace to meet with Austrian President Heinz Fischer. According to press spokesman of the Austrian presidential palace Bruno Aigner, the two leaders exchanged their views mainly on economic issues, and both recognized the "recent active development" of economic relations between the two countries.

Putin concluded his visit to Vienna on Sunday evening, leaving for Italy.