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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends. Let me welcome you in Moscow.

Our meetings are always meaningful and constructive. This is not surprising considering our relations, which have developed over a long period of time.

Let me recall that the Soviet Union was the first country to recognise independent Cyprus. The way our relations are developing today is very positive.

I am sure we will discuss the entire range of our relations, including international issues and the domestic settlement of the Cypriot problem. You know that Russia has always supported a fair settlement.

I am very glad to see you. Welcome, Mr President.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades (retranslated): My dear friend, Mr President. This is my third visit to Moscow as President and my second top level meeting with you at your kind invitation. This is surely evidence of the close relations that exist between our countries. Not only our good-natured relations but also the cultural, religious and historical affinity that exists between our countries and peoples.

I have no doubt that despite our already good relations, this meeting will give us another opportunity to consider how to deepen and expand them.

We will have to discuss the Cypriot problem, relations between the European Union and Russia, as well as regional and bilateral issues. We will have to deal with these issues and I am particularly grateful to you for this.

I would like to thank you personally and on behalf of the Cypriot people for Russia’s unwavering, principled support for us on the Cypriot issue, for finding a solution to this long-standing problem.

Let me thank you once again for your invitation, your warm hospitality and the prerequisites that you are creating for even closer and friendlier relations of cooperation between our countries and peoples.

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