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Vladimir Putin: Dear Madame Secretary of State!

Allow me to warmly greet you to Moscow.

I am very pleased that we have developed a constant dialogue which is virtually never interrupted, not even for a week.

My colleagues and I well remember how warmly we were greeted by the President of the United States recently in Washington.

I know that you have just completed a long trip across the countries of Central Asia and Europe. And considering the great volume of Russian-American relations, it is very pleasant for us to see you today in Moscow.

Condoleezza Rice: Thank you Mr President!

Thank you for receiving me here, particularly on a Saturday, here at the residence. I greatly appreciate it.

The President also remembers warmly the time that you spent together in Washington and I do think that it’s a good thing that we have a continuing dialogue. And you can be certain that as we go through the entire range of issues in US-Russian relations that we have a firm foundation and a firm basis for strong partnership together with Russia. And that is why it is a good thing that we get together frequently and talk about the whole range of issues before us.

Thank you for receiving me.

Vladimir Putin: I wish to congratulate you on the results of your trip to Central Asia. I know that the trip has been a great success. We have many common interests with the United States and the states of Central Asia in the struggle against terrorism and in settling the situation in Afghanistan. And if you think it is possible to tell us more about your trip's results we would be grateful to you.