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Mr Putin began by saying that he is happy with the way cooperation between Russia and Belgium is developing.

Mr Putin said that Russia and Belgium also share common interests in the energy sector. For example Russia is examining the possibility of carrying out a major project to build a gas storage reservoir in Europe from which gas would then be transported to third countries. If this project is carried out, gas could be transported via the existing underground pipeline network that starts in Belgium to other countries, including the United Kingdom.

Among other areas in which Russia and Belgium work together, the President noted the partnership that has developed in the diamond industry. Mr Putin said it was natural that Russia’s leading diamond producer, Alrosa, one of the world’s biggest producers, should seek to strengthen its partnership with the world’s biggest diamond traders.

Mr Verhofstadt said that Belgium intends to continue building up its partnership relations with Russian companies.