Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Dmitry Medvedev: Mr President, I am pleased to see you again. I remember your previous visit and the wonderful atmosphere then. I hope you had the same impression. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate you on receiving the Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations award. Russia seeks to develop relations in any way possible with Lebanon, which we consider a key partner. In particular, we would like to boost cooperation in the economic and cultural spheres. We wish you every success in the consolidation of your country, the development of your country, and will make every effort to help you in this. I hope that your visit will be productive for Russian-Lebanese cooperation. Again I’d like to warmly welcome you to Moscow!

Michel Sleiman (via interpreter): Thank you very much, Mr Prime Minister. I am happy to meet with you again. I remember my previous visit to Moscow with satisfaction. When I met with you then you were President of Russia. I hope to meet with President Vladimir Putin tomorrow. The award of the Foundation for the Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations cannot be overestimated, and I am grateful for it. One of the main things it recognises is efforts to develop and strengthen ties between people, and to promote spiritual values.

I remember my previous visit with pleasure and satisfaction. Our talks created a good foundation for the development of bilateral relations. Unfortunately, the current conditions in our region prevent us from fully implementing our agreements. But I’d like to note that we believe Russia is the country closest to our region. In this regard, I would like to stress that we have good opportunities to develop bilateral relations and that I am ready to work toward this.    

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