Austria, Greece normalize relations after migrant crisis dispute

VIENNA - Diplomatic relations between Austria and Greece that were strained during the migrant crisis have returned to normal, following a meeting by senior officials from both countries in Vienna on Wednesday.

Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sebastian Kurz invited his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias here for talks, a move intended to smooth tensions sparked by Austria's hosting of a conference with Western Balkans nations in February to tackle the migrant crisis, to which Greece was not invited.

The decision to exclude Greece in the conference that involved decision-making to lock down the Western Balkans migrant route incensed Athens. In return, Greece withdrew its ambassador to Austria, Chryssoula Aliferi.

At a press conference in Vienna on Wednesday, both Kurz and Kotzias said relations are now however to return to normal, with Aliferi now resuming her role as ambassador.

"I think it is important to hold to one's standpoint, but it is also important to work toward joint solutions in the European Union," Kurz said.

Kotzias said his talks with Kurz had been pleasant. Kotzias also extended an invitation to his Austrian counterpart to visit Athens.