President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues,

I wish you all a warm welcome to Russia.

I am pleased to see that we have developed effective cooperation mechanisms, including at the top level. We hold regular and urgent meetings when the circumstances call for our direct involvement, and discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

Let me start today by saying that we are happy with the state of our bilateral relations, which have developed in part through your direct efforts, Mr Prime Minister.

We are very pleased to see you. Welcome.