Transcript of the start of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Madam President, it is our pleasure to welcome you to Moscow. I am glad to meet you again.
At the beginning of our meeting I would like to note that we are satisfied with how our interstate relations are developing. I am referring to both the regularity of high-level contacts and the trend of the development of trade and economic relations. However, I would like to stress that I am speaking about trends only: In absolute terms, the volume of our trade turnover is rather small. We should also consider the issue of diversification. Russia mainly exports the production of the metalworking and chemical industries, while Chile mainly exports food products.
Madam President, we are aware of the pace the at which Chilean economy has been developing recently. We are aware of the opportunities the Chilean economy offers; we are interested in stepping up our cooperation. We are very glad to see you. Welcome!
Michelle Bachelet (as translated): Thank you, Mr Prime Minister. I am also glad to meet you again. I am sure you remember our meeting at the latest APEC summit that we both attended.
I very much agree with the statement that you made - our relations have always developed with considerable success. Our first ambassador handed the letters of credence to the Russian Emperor exactly one hundred years ago - in April, 1909. This year thus marks an important anniversary. Throughout history, we have had very close ties and a common approach to global politics.
I hope that this visit will foster development in the areas of mutual interest.
I completely share the viewpoint you voiced: Although our trade turnover constantly increases, it does not reflect the full potency of our economies.
A large group of Chilean businessmen have arrived with our delegation, but not all of them are present here. We have organised seminars for the businessmen of the two countries; one was held yesterday in St Petersburg, and the other was today in Moscow.