PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Mr President, colleagues, friends, let me greet you most warmly once more, this time on the sidelines of the Shanghai summit.

There is no need to describe the relations between our two countries. Russia and Iran are neighbours and longstanding reliable partners. Our position is that we can continue this work in the future, no matter what the turbulence in international relations and with regard to Iran.

We have already carried out a number of big projects and we have other opportunities too. We discussed them when we met in person in Bishkek, and during our telephone conversations. Our experts meet regularly and work together the highest level, at government level.

We have a lot of responsibility for the region in which we are unquestionably partners – the Caspian Sea region. In other words, we have a big agenda and I am very pleased to have this chance to meet with you, Mr President.