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
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, colleagues, we are happy to welcome you to Moscow. We have talked on the telephone before your visit, and we are grateful to you for accepting our invitation to come to Russia.
Mr Prime Minister, relations between our countries, including our political ties, regulatory agreements and economic cooperation, have been developing very well recently.
Bilateral trade grew considerably last year, by over 40%. Unfortunately, it has fallen by more than 40% in the first months of the year, but there is a clear tendency for revival. The overall decline is currently less than 20%.
I believe that you have come to Russia at the right time. We will be able to discuss bilateral economic relations and, of course, the issue that is now our biggest concern - preparations for an international meeting in Copenhagen in connection with the Kyoto Protocol talks.
Since Russia is currently presiding over the Council of the Baltic Sea States, I will have an opportunity to inform you about Russia's plans as the president of the Council.
Welcome to Russia.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen (as translated): Thank you. I waited for this meeting impatiently, and I am happy to see you so soon after our constructive telephone conversation.
I am happy that relations between Denmark and Russia are developing so well.
Russia is an important country on all counts, including our bilateral trade and Denmark's role as the host of the conference on climate change.
As you mentioned, our trade relations are well balanced, and I believe that we must maintain and, if possible, improve them.
I have noticed that Russia has very ambitious goals in terms of energy efficiency, which can also form the basis of our trade cooperation.
We should formulate an ambitious agreement and engage the world's largest countries.
I waited impatiently for an opportunity to speak about the objective of strengthening bilateral relations. In my opinion, we should develop our cooperation with a view to achieving a common ambitious result in Copenhagen.
I hope our cooperation will grow stronger and I would like to add that we are waiting for your President's visit to Denmark in April next year. I also hope to have an opportunity to welcome you in Copenhagen for the conference on climate change. We will be able to discuss this issue.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you for the invitation, I will certainly accept it. My first impression of Copenhagen was very pleasant - I went there with my wife and kids by car. I remember going to the Tivoli Gardens. I still nurture the pleasant impressions.
