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President Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, it is very pleasing for me to have the opportunity to make use of our meeting here in Chile, to hold a bilateral meeting with you. I note with pleasure that despite a series of undecided issues, relations between our countries are developing. At any rate, today we are able to discuss everything, even the most difficult issues, as partners, and even as friends.

Last year, trade between our countries grew by 54%. The investment component is also growing. Japanese companies take an active part in a number of energy projects in the Far East, on Sakhalin. And we will welcome and support the activity of Japanese companies on the Russian market, and in the Russian economy.

There are many events ahead of us next year, which I believe marks 150 years since official diplomatic relations were established with Japan. I would propose to remember these events in a positively and celebrate this date. I am very happy to see you, dear colleagues.

Junichiro Koizumi: I am very happy to meet with you, Mr President, after our meeting on Sea Island.

I would like to take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks for the assistance that Russia gave us in the earthquake in the Ningata prefecture.

I am very happy that at the recent meeting of foreign ministers, an agreement was reached on holding regular meetings between foreign ministers, in order to develop our relations in the future.

During our meeting in Sea Island we agreed that your visit to Japan would be held at a time that is convenient for you, and we will organize for your visit to be held next year. This indeed will mark the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.