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, I am glad to meet you here in Moscow again.
I am happy to highlight that our two countries have not just maintained friendly relations since our last meeting, but have developed them.
Although, unfortunately, our relations have been affected to some extent by the global economic downturn, it is my conviction that we now have every possibility to restore last year's trade level of nearly $10 billion, and even to exceed it.
Together we are implementing major projects in energy, including nuclear power generation, in transport and in the defence sector. We have plenty to discuss today.
We are very happy to see you here. Welcome to Russia.
Robert Fico (as translated): Mr Prime Minister, thank you very much. There are no unresolved political issued between Russia and Slovakia which could strain our relations. We maintain an intensive political dialogue. We have received the good news that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will visit Slovakia in spring.
Vladimir Putin: In April.
Robert Fico: His visit will coincide with festivities on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Slovakia's liberation by the Russian Army. Mr Medvedev's presence will add significance to this important event.
Mr Prime Minister, an important point I would like to make today is that we are meeting shortly before the Russia-EU summit. You have recently discussed the planned meetings with the prime ministers of Austria and Slovenia here in Moscow.
Slovakia is part of the European Union and its active member. Therefore, friendly relations with Russia are very important for us, especially in energy.
Slovakia will support the mutually beneficial agreement to be signed between Russia and the EU.
There are several issues Russia is interested in discussing - one of them is visa-free travel. I would like to emphasise here that in this respect, Slovakia is acting very pragmatically and rationally. Our country is a party to the Schengen agreement; still, we address this issue pragmatically, one cannot deny that.
Mr Prime Minister, there are several very specific issues I would like to discus with you today.
