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Russian-Nicaraguan relations have special potential for development, the President of Russia noted during the talks. Mr Putin also stressed that the two nations have long-standing and very friendly relations, and this year marks the 70^th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

In the course of the negotiations, there was a detailed exchange of views on all areas of bilateral cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua. In particular, the parties touched upon supplies of agricultural equipment from Russia and the creation of a corresponding maintenance base in Nicaragua. Other issues discussed included the delivery of grain from Russia to cover the basic needs. Vladimir Putin promised to consider this issue as soon as possible. The discussion also touched upon the deployment of GLONASS ground stations on the territory of Nicaragua and cooperation in other areas, such as pharmacology. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies of the two countries was also considered.

Participants in the talks from the Russian side included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin. Participants in the discussion from the Nicaraguan side included the President’s special envoy for trade, economic and investment cooperation with Russia Laureano Ortega, Deputy Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke, who also heads the Russian-Nicaraguan interstate commission on economic, science and technology cooperation, Nicaraguan Commander-in-Chief Julio Cesar Aviles, and President of the Enatrel energy company Salvador Mansell.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, thank you for your invitation.

I would like to congratulate you on the upcoming 35^th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, which, I know, is a very special event for you. We have very warm relations with your country that have a long history. We have always admired both your personal courage and the courage of your people.

Nicaragua is an important partner for Russia in Latin America. This is a special year for us: we will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations later this year. Naturally, we have a lot to do to develop our relations further, especially economic ties. However, the basis is very good. Thank you.

President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega (retranslated): Dear Vladimir, esteemed Mr President,

We are very happy to see you here. This is an honour for us. This is a historic visit. It is like a ray of light, like a flash of lightning. This is the first time a Russian President visits Nicaragua. We are very happy to welcome you in our country. Please consider it your country.

We are dedicated to the struggle for peace; we are actively fighting poverty and working to raise the standard of living. We are combatting drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. Our cooperation with your people follows a very busy agenda. We see that this cooperation is being enhanced step by step.

We saw some buses on our way to the airport. They were supplied to Nicaragua by the Russian Government. Now Nicaraguans use these buses to go to work and return home. I believe that the most successful cooperation is the kind that enhances the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Our relations are brotherly in nature. This is very important, especially now, when we need to join efforts in the struggle for peace. We accept and support the initiatives put forth by Russia in the interests of peace and are ready to take part in them, and are already doing so. We are ready to support initiatives aimed at establishing peace in the whole world, and especially those aimed at peace in your region within the framework of the conflicts that exist there now.

The resolution of a conflict is not facilitated by bombing or artillery fire. The resolution of a conflict requires good judgement and a sensible approach. The main and most important thing is to take into consideration the will of the people, and that is being done.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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