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Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon dear gentlemen!

I am glad to welcome you to the Kremlin and to congratulate you on the beginning of your diplomatic missions to Russia.

You are beginning your activities in Moscow at a very interesting time. More than ever before, today’s Russia shows proof of steady economic growth and accomplishes large-scale social tasks designed to increase the people of Russia’s well-being.

It is no exaggeration to say that our state is confidently entering the twenty-first century as a stable and reliable partner. And this is true not only with respect to foreign policy, but in sectors such as trade, investment, and industrial and technological cooperation as well.

Along with the growth of Russia’s own investment appeal, Russian business is increasingly participating in the implementation of major economic and financial projects outside of Russia. We are pleased that along with our neighbours as well as our traditional European and American partners, more and more states from Asia and Africa are showing increasing interest in inflows of Russian capital.

We intend to continue to use the creative potential of international diplomacy to develop multifaceted, mutually advantageous cooperation and to search for new and promising partners to implement joint initiatives and projects. And of course Russia is going to continue to participate in collective work towards fighting against common challenges and threats.

I consider that consolidating the possibilities that various states possess in order to work towards a common goal, namely making the world a safer, more stable and more predictable place, is one of today’s most crucial tasks. I am confident that today the very widest field for active and committed work in Russia is available to you. We sincerely wish you success in this crucially important field.

Dear colleagues!

We are pleased that we have established a meaningful dialogue with Macedonia on fundamental international and regional issues. We are disposed to strengthen our dialogue by developing our trade and investment partnership.

A traditional friendship links Russia with the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Next year our countries will celebrate the 50 th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. And I am convinced that the solid experience of cooperation that we have accumulated over these years establishes the conditions for further deepening our cooperation in all areas.

We are interested in expanding our political and business contacts with the Republic of Burundi. We are also ready to work actively together to resolve the acute problems on the African continent.

A spirit of mutual respect and trust has always distinguished Russian-Icelandic relations. I am confident that this approach will continue in the future.

A common historical and cultural heritage connect Russia and Belarus. We are in favour of truly deepening mutually advantageous economic integration and adopting a gradual approach to issues with respect to establishing a union. The high amount of our cooperation in all areas points to the necessity of very active daily practical cooperation in the interests of Russia and Belarus.

The traditionally friendly relations between Russia and the Union of Myanmar have good prospects. We sincerely wish the leaders and the people of your country success in accomplishing various tasks linked to state and economic development.

We support Albania’s desire to deepen bilateral relations and develop trade and economic ties. We recognize that expanding Russian and Albanian cooperation will be beneficial for our countries as well as for stability in the Balkans.

We give great value to deepening our close cooperation with Canada. Canada is our arctic neighbour and we have successful contacts in international affairs and with respect to ensuring global security. We also have sound prospects for strengthening our partnership relations.

In conclusion, I would like to once again wish all of you a successful mission to Russia. I believe that your well-directed efforts will allow us to discover additional reserves for potential cooperation, reserves that will be used for the multifaceted development of ties between our countries. I am convinced that your work in Moscow will be useful and interesting both for you and for your family members.

Thank you for your attention.