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President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Dear Mr President! Dear Nicaraguan Colleagues!

Just now we discussed a number of serious issues with the President of Nicaragua: both the history of Russian-Nicaraguan relations and the momentum that they could take on in the nearest possible future. We also discussed the situation in the world at large and the need to establish a multipolar basis for the development of international relations.

I told the President that Russia would like to establish full-fledged, comprehensive, long-term and mutually beneficial relations with Latin America in general and with an important partner such as Nicaragua in particular.

We discussed a number of major economic projects and talked about the development of cooperation in the cultural and educational spheres, particularly in education.

And I think that we can now continue to discuss all these issues in an enlarged format, especially since important events occurred in anticipation of the President of Nicaragua’s visit to our country: we have had contacts – a delegation from the Russian Federation visited Nicaragua and their Nicaraguan counterparts visited Moscow. Not long ago another landmark event occurred: a platoon of Russian warships visited Nicaragua. We would like to once again thank the leadership of Nicaragua for facilitating their presence in the region and for his friendly approach.

In other words we have the opportunity to discuss all issues concerning the development of our relations in an enlarged format, and to reach agreements that are already taking shape today. And this is a solid set of documents which was prepared over the last few months and should reflect the dynamic development of Russian-Nicaraguan dialogue over the years to come. There are also a number of agreements that have not yet been finalised and should be as soon as possible, such as an agreement on a visa-free regime.

I would once again like to welcome President Daniel Ortega, his closest comrades and colleagues, and look forward to a constructive friendly discussion of all issues together with our delegations.

President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega (translated from Russian): Mr President! As we meet with you on this soil we feel respect and admiration for the Russian people. You fought to protect humanity during the Second World War and today we paid tribute to this and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We are aware of the significance of those heroic battles and think that all humankind should feel grateful to the Russian people for the sacrifices they suffered during the war.

I would also like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Mr Sechin. We have twice had the opportunity to meet with him in Nicaragua. There was not much time between these visits. But this demonstrates a clear desire to develop relations with Nicaragua. We were expecting a time when relations with the Russian Federation will receive a new impetus. We have waited patiently for this moment.

I was just in Brazil. For the first time the presidents of Latin American and Caribbean countries gathered at a historic meeting in Brazil. This shows that Latin America is no longer anyone’s backyard.

This meeting demonstrated that Latin America is going down its own path and that multipolarity is already a reality – regardless of what some countries might think and of what certain supporters of a unipolar world might want. Therefore there are new conditions in Latin America, exceptional conditions in which Russia’s presence is a welcome one for all Latin American governments.

Your visit to Latin America represents excellent proof of the desire, the desire and commitment to the sovereignty and independence of our peoples. We are ready to develop relations in all areas that would facilitate the progress and prosperity of our peoples and strengthen the sovereignty of our nations.

I have the honour and great satisfaction to be able to return to this land. This is a historic visit for me.