Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Aliyev, I am glad to see you and to have this opportunity to meet during the conference to discuss our current affairs and our economic and cultural relations.

I am sure that you will address the situation in the region. We are trying to use every opportunity to move toward the further development of bilateral interstate relations and normalisation of the situation in the region. So, I can say again that I am glad to see you. Welcome.

Ilham Aliyev: Thank you, Mr Putin. I am sure that this meeting will be constructive and friendly, like all our previous meetings. I am pleased to recall those meetings, which have helped to positively develop relations between our countries.

The agenda for our bilateral relations is very broad. It goes without saying that it includes economic ties, political interaction, cultural cooperation, regional problems and conflict resolution. We have been working constructively and effectively on all of these issues. As for economic ties, I can say that our trade is growing, which is a very positive factor. We also see progress in all other spheres of bilateral relations. I am confident that this meeting will serve to further boost such friendly and neighbourly relations.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.