"The Republic of Korea is our reliable partner in tackling a number of international problems. We hope that our fruitful cooperation will continue."

"Under the circumstances [of the financial crisis], the Russian banks and companies which have been borrowing money in the West will find it very difficult to extend old credits and get new ones in the Western financial institutions. Therefore, the Russian Government and the Central Bank have offered a number of additional measures to support the Russian financial system, to continue the projects launched earlier, to restrict the negative impact of the world financial crisis on the domestic economy, and to protect the assets of Russian companies abroad."

At the meeting Vladimir Putin wished the coach of Zenit St Petersburg football club a happy birthday.

The situation in the bank sector, the questions of expansion and the projects which Vneshtorgbank has developed and backed were discussed at the meeting

He noted that wages and salaries will go up for an enormous number of people – “more than three million public sector workers in healthcare, education, culture, sports, and many other spheres”.

"I would like to mention that relations between our two countries are developing virtually in all areas. Gradual implementation of our agreements has already started. New economic possibilities open up for us, including energy, advanced technologies, engineering industry and petrochemistry. We are ready to look at the possibility of cooperation in the civilian use of nuclear energy."