25 february 2011

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Spanish King Juan Carlos I in St Petersburg

Participants:
At the meeting, the prime minister brought up promising projects in power engineering, transport, and other industries. He expressed interest in cooperation with Spain in the construction of infrastructure facilities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the King of Spain, in his turn, replied that his country was ready to contribute to the World Cup as well as the Sochi Olympics.

Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Your Majesty, Ms Minister, it’s a great privilege to see you in Russia again. We very much appreciate your coming here to take part in officially announcing the Year of Russia in Spain and the Year of Spain in Russia.

I would like to tell you that our trade and economic ties are making good progress. We are gradually overcoming the crisis, and last year our trade grew by 37%. We have many interesting projects in power engineering, transport, and other industries. They hold promise for us and are of great interest for our Spanish partners. In some fields, like transport engineering, Spanish companies have developed unique experience and production methods. Hopefully, we will continue our cooperation in other areas as well – culture, sports...

As you know, we have gained the right to host the FIFA World Cup. Spain is a recognised football leader. We count on the assistance of your experts, including in the construction of infrastructural facilities for the event. My colleagues and I are really happy to see you in Russia today. Welcome!

Juan Carlos I (as translated): Thank you very much for coming specially to meet with me as well. I am very satisfied with our meeting. We have been friends for many years. I am very glad to see you again.

Yes, we are ready to take part in the preparations for the 2018 World Cup. Likewise, we are ready to participate in other projects related to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. I have very fond memories of our meeting in Sochi, really nice memories.

Vladimir Putin: I think that today we will also have a lot to talk about. Thank you very much for the opportunity to meet.