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President Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr President!

Dear Mrs Yudoyono!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I would like to offer my sincere thanks for the warm welcome and the interesting work you undertook with the Russian delegation. We were met in Jakarta not only in a warm and friendly way but also with the sincere desire to develop mutually advantageous multifaceted cooperation.

We have only been in Indonesia for a short while but we have already had the opportunity to see firsthand that this is a colourful and distinctive land. Modern technology and ancient culture coexist in harmony here. And, even more importantly, people of different nationalities and religious confessions live in peace. Without undue exaggeration one can say that you have implemented a very important principle in your country, the principle of ”Bhinneka Tungaal Ika“, or unity in diversity.

The Russian people are very interested in and sympathetic toward Indonesia. It is fortunate that more and more Russian tourists are able to come here, enjoy the unique natural setting, and recharge their batteries. One prominent Russian writer, Ivan Goncharov, visited Indonesia in the XIX century, and even then he was stunned by its beauty. He described it as “the most luxurious corner of the world.” Many of our citizens can now see first hand how accurate this description is.

Today during our talks, President Yudoyono and I agreed that that the efforts to bring Russia and Indonesia together are gaining momentum, and bilateral relations have become richer and more advanced. I am sure that the first official visit by a Russian head of state to Indonesia will be a significant incentive for them to strengthen even more. Together, we will devote all our efforts to do what has to be done to make the plans just described a reality — for the benefit of our peoples and countries.

Let me propose a toast:

To the prosperity of the Indonesian people!

To the good health of all of us!