VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
At a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Vladimir Putin noted with satisfaction that trade between the two countries had increased by 18% in recent years.
"We are gradually reaching pre-crisis levels," said Mr Putin. He also told his Italian counterpart that German energy companies have expressed interest in joining the South Stream project, while stressing that joint work on such projects contributes to improving energy security in Europe.
Silvio Berlusconi, in turn, noted that the participation of other countries - in particular, the participation of German companies - is an absolutely positive contribution. He said that the EU has an interest in this very important project that was created to supply gas to Europe.
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, dear Silvio! First of all, at the beginning of this official visit, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the tragedy that occurred in Afghanistan that claimed the lives of your soldiers. I understand how much mourning is going on in Italy and what grief has come to the families of the dead. I want to say again that we know what it is firsthand, and we offer our most sincere condolences.
Silvio Berlusconi: (as translated) Thank you. We are in Afghanistan in order to bring democracy and peace to the country. Unfortunately, such tragedies occur frequently. We are working hard to cede control over the situation to the Afghan army, which we are training.
Vladimir Putin: We are also contributing to business arrangements and we are helping to financially support the development of the armed forces of Afghanistan. We hope that peace and harmony are not far off for the troubled land of Afghanistan.
As for our bilateral relations, I would like to note with satisfaction that trade is growing: it has risen by 18% recently. We are gradually reaching pre-crisis levels. Soon we will have inter-governmental consultations, and we are waiting for the large government delegation in Italy that you are heading, and there we will certainly talk in more detail about all areas of cooperation.
But today, I would like to consult with you on a major project - I'm referring to the South Stream project. I've already told you that German energy companies have expressed interest in joining this project. I would like to know your opinion on this issue.
Silvio Berlusconi: This is a major project, one which we joined immediately. We also managed to convince Turkey to allow this project to pass through its territorial waters. Now there are some issues remaining that relate to this project's passage through some countries. I realized this morning that I probably have, from a diplomatic point of view, to work on one of these countries in order to convince it to allow this project.
As for the participation of other companies, in particular in reference to a German company, I think this is absolutely a positive circumstance. Consequently, the interests of the entire European Union will become apparent in this very important project, which was created in order to supply gas to the European Union.
Vladimir Putin: Outstanding. We will continue to work on this project. It in no way contradicts or interferes with other companies' plans for implementing such projects in the region and elsewhere. But this will certainly enhance energy opportunities and energy security in Europe.
* * *
The prime ministers continued their conversation during a walk.
