Official website of the President of Russia

Transcripts   /

Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr Chairman!

Dear Mr Prime Minister!

Please allow me once again to welcome you warmly to Russia. I think that you agree with me when I say that recently it has become somewhat of a habit to invite influential countries that are not formally members of the G8 to do work within this format. I am very glad that we can use this opportunity to meet the three of us. Moreover, summit meetings between our three countries are a natural continuation of the work that our ministers of Foreign Affairs have already begun. I would very much like to point out that our that our approaches to international problems are very close or, as diplomats would say, they practically coincide. Our desire to achieve mutually acceptable solutions allows us to coordinate our efforts in the international arena. And of all this is certainly an important factor in international life.

Mr Chairman and I just now spoke with about how effectively and, I would say, how rapidly Russian and Chinese bilateral relations are developing. With our Indian partners we are slightly lagging behind in economic cooperation but we have huge plans. And I am confident that they are realistic and will be implemented. We live in the same region of the world. Russia has historical or, as we say, centuries-old relations with India and with the People’s Republic of China. And I am very happy to have the opportunity to meet with you today in St Petersburg to talk about both our common problems and our shared plans.

Thank you very much.