Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

Austria ex-minister who danced with Putin gets Rosneft nomination

-

Austria's former foreign minister who danced with President Vladimir Putin at her wedding has been nominated for a seat on oil giant Rosneft's board of directors, a government decree said Wednesday.

In 2018, Karin Kneissl, then Austria's foreign minister, made headlines when she invited Putin to her wedding and danced with him. The 56-year-old left the government the following year.

Kneissl has been nominated to the Rosneft board as an independent director, said a government decree released on Wednesday.

If Rosneft's shareholders approve her nomination, she will join former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who has served as board chairman since 2017.

Rosneft, Russia's biggest oil producer, is headed by Igor Sechin, one of Putin's most loyal allies.

In recent years, Austria has emphasised close ties with Russia.

After a number of EU countries in 2018 expelled Russian diplomats over the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK, Austria said it would not follow, stressing its neutrality.

Austria’s former foreign minister who danced with President Vladimir Putin at her wedding has been nominated for a seat on oil giant Rosneft’s board of directors, a government decree said Wednesday.

In 2018, Karin Kneissl, then Austria’s foreign minister, made headlines when she invited Putin to her wedding and danced with him. The 56-year-old left the government the following year.

Kneissl has been nominated to the Rosneft board as an independent director, said a government decree released on Wednesday.

If Rosneft’s shareholders approve her nomination, she will join former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who has served as board chairman since 2017.

Rosneft, Russia’s biggest oil producer, is headed by Igor Sechin, one of Putin’s most loyal allies.

In recent years, Austria has emphasised close ties with Russia.

After a number of EU countries in 2018 expelled Russian diplomats over the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in the UK, Austria said it would not follow, stressing its neutrality.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

World

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks after signing legislation authorizing aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan at the White House on April 24, 2024...

World

AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla face damaging allegations about an EU parliamentarian's aide accused of spying for China - Copyright AFP Odd...

Business

Meta's growth is due in particular to its sophisticated advertising tools and the success of "Reels" - Copyright AFP SEBASTIEN BOZONJulie JAMMOTFacebook-owner Meta on...

Business

The job losses come on the back of a huge debt restructuring deal led by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky - Copyright AFP Antonin UTZFrench...