Point of View

"I would like to note our successes in cross border cooperation. Thus, restrictions on movement over the Mumansk-Kirkenes highway were lifted in 2008, and talks are currently underway on drafting an agreement for reciprocal trips of citizens residing in Russia and Norway's adjacent territories."

"Today, it is important to adapt our cooperation to the current financial and economic crisis. Apparently, we have definite and considerable competitive advantages. We should pool our efforts in world markets. I am primarily referring to the energy industry, a key element in our bilateral strategic cooperation."

"Last year, our countries reached a record $2.3 billion in trade turnover, but this is far from our limit. Our potential is much bigger than that, and we consider the current level a springboard for reaching new frontiers."

"I am very pleased to note that we maintain regular contacts across the board - from working meetings to top political levels. However, this is not the main point. What matters most is that our relations are developing well. This applies to all aspects of our cooperation. The most objective indicator is the growth of trade, which set a record last year."

"We are neighbours [Russia and Turkey], and that is why energy is a key question. We are diversifying our energy contacts. The Prime Minister has already mentioned our company's participation in a tender for the construction of a nuclear power plant; I am referring to our companies' possible involvement in the construction of four major nuclear power facilities. We are willing to take part in the construction of a CHP (combined heat and power station) with the supply of additional volumes of gas for fuel generation. Turkey came third in Europe in terms of Russian gas supply, after Germany and Italy. Last year it amounted to nearly 24 billion cubic metres - to be precise, 23.9."

"Russia has become Turkey's primary trading partner, with trade turnover approaching $35 billion. And Turkey is also one of Russia's most important trading partners. Whereas several years ago we were principally talking about the construction sector, now we have a very broad diversification in terms of our relations."

"Energy implies not only hydrocarbons but also nuclear energy and electricity. Certain Italian companies have invested billions of dollars into the Russian energy industry. We are developing contacts in high technologies. In particular, we are implementing Project Superjet-100 for a very promising medium-range aircraft."

"Now that the relevant documents have been signed and Russia has recognised Abkhazia's independence, we have more opportunities to organise cooperation in all areas, including on the social and economic development of Abkhazia, and organising support for those plans that you and your Government are making for the republic's development."

"As far as the Ulan Bator Railway is concerned, I believe that our joint efforts to develop the Mongolian transport infrastructure will allow us to create new jobs and new sources of income, as well as to increase the efficiency of the regional cooperation as a whole. I would like to stress that our project is aimed not only at upgrading the Ulan Bator Railway, but also at developing the Mongolian railway network. We have established the joint venture with this goal in mind."

"We were aiming at the trade turnover reaching $1-1.3 billion by 2010, which we accomplished in 2008. As you can see, we are ahead of schedule. Overall, our trade and economic relations have developed positively. More trustful atmosphere of our partnership and closer cooperation prompt us to reach new agreements, and today you witnessed the signing of a new document."

"The Rostechnology State Corporation will be joining efforts with Mongolia's Erdenet and Mongolrostsvetmet companies in the capacity of a new Russian shareholder. I am confident that Rostechnology will help these Mongolian companies to achieve better efficiency through technological modernisation and streamlined management. Most importantly, it will ensure increased stability against the volatile economic environment."

"We naturally complement each other; our economies do at any event. Japan's advanced technology, our resources in Eastern Siberia and the Far East - we share common interests. We need to sweep aside that which interferes with the development of our relationships off the agenda. Clearly this must happen, and can only be accomplished in ways that correspond to the Russian Federation's national interests."

"Together with our Mongolian partners, we are working to promptly launch joint investment projects in the metal mining industry. I believe that we will succeed in implementing the previously agreed uranium mining and processing projects."

"We are pleased with how our relations are developing and I would like to note that we have achieved practically all the goals we set for ourselves when we drew up the "Russian-Japanese Action Plan" in 2003."

"Many Japanese companies have extensive experience of working in Russia. As you know, Toyota has already commissioned a plant, and another major Japanese company will inaugurate its plant in the near future (in early June). I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this is taking place in the midst of the global economic crisis. In other words, our cooperation here is very much in demand. This is beyond any doubt."

"As you know, one of Russia's aims is to diversify its economy and make it more innovative. Japan is positioning itself as a global leader of technological progress in the 21st century. I must say that we agree with this. We are all happy about the successes of our Japanese friends and colleagues. We see how successfully Japan is developing high technologies. Needless to say, I consider very important Russia and Japan's cooperation in using their potentialities in this direction."

"Russia will of course link the issues of missile defence and everything related to it with strategic offensive weapons."

"When armed contingents are present in any country on a noble mission, we have every reason to expect efficiency of them, and we all count on it. As you know, Russia has agreed on civilian cargo transits with several European countries, the United States and NATO. This is our practical contribution to the cause of normalising the situation in Afghanistan."

"Is it possible that Russian troops could be sent to Afghanistan? That is impossible. The Russian public strongly objects even to putting the matter under consideration, and I agree with that position."

"It was with great regret that we learned that North Korea had unilaterally walked out of talks we consider quite acceptable. Their six-party format has proved its practical worth. They have helped us to arrive recently at decisions which all the parties involved consider adoptable."

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