英语文摘:Austrian, German officials call on Europe to stay together to overcome challenges

VIENNA, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- The German vice chancellor on Monday, together with Austrian foreign minister, called on European states to stay together to face with the difficulties.

German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel visited Austria on Monday and met here with Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.

Both sides called for reducing EU bureaucracy, urging European states to stay together, especially facing with the difficult situation like nationalism movement in Europe and other uncertainties.

Gabriel is on his first trip to Austria as the foreign minister of his country, trying to enhance the coordination between the two states.

Gabriel also met with Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern. Both sides called for closing the ranks to face the pressures from the new U.S. administration.

But the two sides failed to agree on the idea of building mass refugee centers in countries like Libya, Gabriel believes that the program is not realistic.

Gabriel would continue his trip to Rome on Monday.