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Vladimir Putin attends Austrian foreign minister's wedding

AFP Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl and Russian President Vladimir Putin dance during her wedding on 18 August 2018 in Gamlitz, AustriaAFP
Mr Putin took his host for a twirl, ignoring the controversy about the invitation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has attended the wedding of Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, who has been criticised for inviting him.

Mr Putin gave her presents and danced with her at the event in the southern Austrian province of Styria.

Opposition politicians have accused Ms Kneissl of undermining EU foreign policy with her choice of guest.

Mr Putin stopped in Austria on his way to Germany, where he held talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Ms Kneissl, 53, married entrepreneur Wolfgang Meilinger, 54, at a ceremony in the small town of Gamlitz, near the border with Slovenia.

EPA Ms Kneissl and Mr Meilinger - 18 AugustEPA
Mr Meilinger shares a love of judo with Mr Putin

Mr Putin arrived with a bunch of flowers for the bride and was accompanied by a troupe of Cossack singers who performed for the guests.

His spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media that he also presented the newlyweds with a painting of village life, an antique oil press and a samovar, an urn used to prepare tea in Russia.

AFP Don Cossack choir performs for the guests at the wedding - 18 AugustAFP
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the guests appreciated the performance by the Cossack choir

Mr Putin gave a speech in German and toasted the bride and groom, Mr Peskov added.

Ms Kneissl, an academic with no party affiliation, was picked as foreign minister by Austria's far-right Freedom Party - a coalition partner in the current government.

AFP Ms Kneissl dancing with CossackAFP
Ms Kneissl also tried Cossack dancing

The Russian president was invited during a visit to Austria earlier this year. Mr Peskov said Mr Putin "shared a passion for judo" with Mr Meilinger.

There has been vigorous debate in the Austrian media about the Russian president's appearance since it was announced this week.

Members of the country's Green Party are among those calling for the foreign minister to resign over the invitation

Some politicians have voiced concern about the potential cost to taxpayers incurred by increased security for the visit.

In Germany, the Russian president held informal talks with Mrs Merkel for three hours at Meseberg castle, north of Berlin. They were due to discuss Syria and Ukraine, as well as Russian gas supplies to Europe.

Germany is facing pressure from the US to halt work on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project

The meeting ended without a news conference. Mr Putin later flew back to Russia.