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Toast for the Dinner in Honour of the Foreign Leaders and Their Spouses Who Have Arrived for St. Petersburg’s 300-Year Anniversary

May 31, 2003, Grand Palace, Peterhof

President Vladimir Putin: Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Guests,

I have already said much today and am afraid that people are tired of my speeches, but this was necessary.

We may now say that everything that we were supposed to do we have done. Now we can simply relax.

One more of our colleagues and friend, one of my friends, has joined us, the president of the United States.

I urge all of you to forget about work until the end of the evening. You do not often get to spend time with your spouses. This is one of the few chances to be in a good place and setting together with your friends.

Thank you all for being here.

May 31, 2003, Grand Palace, Peterhof