Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Sidorsky, colleagues, it is our pleasure to welcome you to Moscow.

To begin with, I would like to note that despite recessionary developments in the global economy, our relations continue to evolve. Moreover, the Belarusian share in the Russian foreign trade turnover has been increasing lately, which is gratifying.

There are a lot of issues to discuss at this expanded meeting, and we are happy to use this opportunity. I would like to reiterate that it is my pleasure to welcome you to Moscow.