The transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Choummaly Sayasone (as translated): I am very glad to meet with you, Mr Medvedev. First, let me express my joy and satisfaction on the arrival of your delegation at the 9th ASEM Summit. This is a very important sign of the further strengthening of the friendship and cooperation between our countries.

We all know that Russia and Laos have been linked together by a long tradition of friendship and good relations. Earlier, the Soviet Union provided assistance to our country in its struggle for liberation.

Today, despite difficulties, our top officials continue working together and paying visits to each other.

I remember my visit to your country last year and our meeting with you and Mr Putin, and I remember the agreements that we made. We still have many issues to be discussed, and we must continue our consultations, talks and dialogue.

Let me also express my appreciation for your help, particularly in training military personnel.

At today’s meeting, we have a good opportunity to hear your opinion on our future efforts.

Dmitry Medvedev: Thank you very much, Mr President. I too am very glad to meet with you again, after your visit last year to Russia, which was very successful, and to consolidate all the agreements that were reached – and they are aimed at strengthening the friendly relations and partnership between our countries.

Let me express our appreciation for the invitation to visit Laos to attend the ASEM Summit. I consider this to be a recognition of Laos’ role in this region...

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