Transcript of the start of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Prime Minister and colleague,

I am very glad to see you in Moscow. We recently met in Chisinau and discussed various issues during the summit of CIS Heads of Government. I am pleased to receive you in Russia.

At the beginning of our conversation, I would like to note with satisfaction that bilateral relations are developing rather successfully in virtually every area, including the energy sector.

We are implementing ambitious projects and maintain large-scale cooperation. I am convinced that your visit will be very business-like, useful and constructive. We have a lot to discuss. Welcome, Mr Prime Minister.

Tigran Sargsyan: Thank you very much, Mr Putin. First of all, I would like to express my condolences in connection with the death of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. I am speaking on behalf of the Armenian President and Government and on behalf of the entire Armenian nation. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. The death of Patriarch Alexy II is an extremely sad and tragic occurrence. Alexy II was a beloved and revered Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

He was a lucid personality. This is a great loss. Not only was he the greatest person in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, but he was also an outstanding statesman. He made a substantial contribution to cooperation between various religious confessions. It won't be an exaggeration to say that he maintained good and friendly relations with the representatives of all traditional Russian confessions.

He accomplished a lot for the sake of asserting a new Russian statehood. Thank you very much for your words of condolence.