Mr Medvedev stated that in addition to energy cooperation issues and Moldovan agricultural exports to Russia, the prime ministers would discuss prospects for the development of bilateral trade as well as a number of international issues. "I am happy to have this opportunity to discuss all aspects of our relations, between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova," Dmitry Medvedev said. He added that a number of documents would be signed as a result of the Moldovan Prime Minister’s visit to Russia.

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Dmitry Medvedev: Mr Prime Minister, we have arranged to maintain regular contacts, and this is what we are doing right now. We have communicated intensively since my appointment as Prime Minister, and we held several meetings, both formal and informal. We have arranged that you will pay an official visit to this country in autumn. I am happy to have this opportunity to see you and to discuss all components of relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova. I am glad to be able to discuss international issues and the key lines in our cooperation, including energy, bilateral trade balance, trade in agricultural commodities, and some other issues that will always be on the agenda of our relations.

Following your visit, we will sign a number of documents which, as I hope, will also promote the diversified relations between our two countries.

I would rather stop at that, because it is not quite hospitable to speak at such length. Besides, we are going to hold more talks and make statements for the press. So we will say what is needed at the end.

Please.

Vladimir Filat: Mr Medvedev, I would like to thank you for your invitation and for the attention you pay not only to the talks but also to how to deal with a number of outstanding issues. I won’t conceal that this visit is of much importance for us. I hope that we will be able to come to terms on a number of important problems, including energy and humanitarian hurdles. I am pleased that my visit coincides with the Days of Moldovan Culture in the Russian Federation. Yesterday we attended the festival’s opening. Our folk dance company, Joc, presented its best concert repertoire. I think this is a natural extension of the work that we have done in the context of our cooperation. There are two memorable dates marking this year: the 10^th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova, and the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. It was a difficult period, but it did strengthen our relations and made it possible for us to look to the future with confidence. Let me once again thank you for your attitude and this opportunity to visit the Russian Federation, to talk, and hopefully to deal with the issues remaining on the agenda.

Dmitry Medvedev: It’s a deal. Thank you.

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