Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen
Mr Putin stated that Russia and Denmark have made significant progress in promoting bilateral relations in recent years. Two hundred Danish firms are currently operating in 25 regions across Russia, and Russian businessmen have started securing a foothold in the Danish economy as well.
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Lars Lokke Rasmussen (via interpreter): Mr Prime Minister, I am honoured and pleased to welcome you here on your first official visit to Denmark. I would like to emphasise the word “official” because I know that you have been here before, and I also want to remind you that we have met with you four times over the last 18 months. In my view, this is proof that our ties are strengthening and expanding. I am confident that our talks, as well as the negotiations between our ministers, will provide the impetus for a more vigorous development of our relations.
I am also looking forward to the ceremony at which Russian and Danish governmental organisations, as well as Danish and Russian businesses, will sign a number of agreements. Again, this demonstrates that the relations between our countries, businesses, and governments are constantly improving. I attach great importance to this fact because we see Russia as a very significant partner. It is very important to build and promote these ties via the Baltic Sea.
Welcome to Copenhagen, and welcome to Denmark!
Vladimir Putin: My esteemed colleague, thank you very much for your invitation. I remember how we arranged for this visit when we met in Helsinki. I perused the documents related to our cooperation during my flight. I must tell you that in recent times and since our last meeting, we have made significant progress. Two hundred Danish firms are currently operating in Russia. Two hundred! That's quite a lot, and our cooperation keeps gaining momentum: Danish companies have businesses in 25 regions across Russia, and now Russian businessmen have started securing a foothold in the Danish economy as well.
We shall have the opportunity today to analyse some of the results of what has been done so far and to outline the steps that need to be taken in the immediate future and in the longer term. I am very pleased that you and I can contribute to the ongoing development of the good relations that our countries have shared for centuries.
Thank you.
