The transcript of the meeting's beginning:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Mori, I am very glad to see you. I know that you are involved in a lot of political activities, both in Japan and outside your country, and I appreciate your taking time to return from Africa to meet with me here before your visit to Dublin.
I am well aware that you are closely following the world's current economic situation and take an active stand in Japan's Parliament. I am hoping that our friendly relations and longtime ties will help boost Russian-Japanese links, as always.
Yoshiro Mori: (as translated) Mr Putin, I am very glad to see you again as well. I was looking forward to today's meeting with you. I await the moment when we can overcome the current economic crisis. I believe that you are striving to implement reforms in Russia to make it a great and democratic country.
I know that you continue to have a powerful influence both in Russia and on the international scene as Prime Minister since President Dmitry Medvedev took office, and I feel the deepest respect for you.