Transcript of the start of the meeting: 

Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am very glad to see you. We have been closely following the political developments in Moldova, and we are certainly going to talk about them later. However, I think we should start with our trade and economic contacts.

The global financial and economic crisis has seriously affected Moldova on a par with other countries, but Moldova and Russia remain major trade and economic partners for each other. We have a great deal to discuss.

We have resolved some of the past problems. I'm primarily referring to food supplies to the Russian market. However, as far as I know, some of the issues still require additional discussion. We are ready to talk about all the related issues.

We are happy to see you. Welcome to Moscow.

Vladimir Voronin: Thank you, Mr Putin, for this opportunity to meet with you.

I am particularly grateful to the Russian leaders for political support and their clear-cut position on the political events in Moldova. President Dmitry Medvedev's statement in Khabarovsk and your support are very important for us in this difficult time. In effect, we were the only ones to thwart the attempt at a colour revolution. Your support points to the durability of our past and present ties.

You have said with good reason that we have put our relations on a very high level. Moldova and Russia enjoy mutual understanding and support in trade and economic relations, cultural cooperation, and other directions. I think that our current discussion and future actions will further enhance our cooperation. Allow me to repeat that I am very happy to see you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

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Vladimir Putin: Mr Voronin, we have reviewed your request to grant Moldova a state loan of $1.5 million. We believe we can do this. To accomplish this, we must make adjustments in the federal budget, and address our Parliament. We are prepared to do this.

The first tranche will probably be transferred to Moldova in a month and a half to two months.

Vladimir Voronin: Thank you, Mr Putin. This is a very important issue for us. Your positive decision shows that our relations remain important in a serious economic crisis, and that, moreover, they rest on a long-term durable foundation.

During the last few years we have proved our solvency by paying off our huge debts. Therefore, I can guarantee that we can cope with this loan as well.

Thank you very much. We will use this loan primarily for investment programmes, some of which were discussed at the CIS Council last week. For the first time, it was held in Chisinau, and we are grateful for that, all the more so since now we will receive a loan for these programmes.

I am very grateful to the Russian Government and people for such help and attention to Moldova.

Vladimir Putin: The first tranche will amount to $150 million.

Vladimir Voronin: Thank you very much. We will make use of it this year.