PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Mr Secretary-General, colleagues, good afternoon,

We are very happy to welcome you in the Moscow Kremlin.

As you may know, Mr Secretary-General, as one of the founding nations of the United Nations, we have been constantly and consistently supporting the leading role of the United Nations Organisation in international affairs, and we value highly your efforts, Mr Secretary-General, in resolving possible, existing and earlier crises on our planet. Your role is very positive and efficient.

We are happy to see you in Moscow, Mr Secretary-General!