Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad to see you in Moscow. Good afternoon.
Thank you for accepting my invitation to come to Russia. In the time since our last meeting, our colleagues have worked tirelessly to lay the groundwork for two very notable events.

The first is a football match between our national teams. And the second is the signing of an agreement between our two governments in the energy sector; namely, on cooperation on the South Stream project.

I am confident that you and I will use today to discuss the entire range of relations between our two countries. This involves the high-tech, telecommunications, transport and communications sectors, as well as cooperation in investment and banking.

Slovenian businesses are very active in Russia, and are involved in a number of business ventures, including in the pharmaceutical industry. And we are confident that your visit, Mr Prime Minister, will be another impetus for the development of relations between our two countries.

Welcome!

Borut Pahor (as translated): Mr Prime Minister, first of all, we would very much like to thank you for receiving us in your residence. We heard that this does not usually happen, and so we are very grateful.

This is my second meeting with you. At the first meeting, we agreed that an agreement would be signed at the second. And now, at the second meeting, we will sign such an agreement. This is a very important event for us.

It is a matter of not only signing an agreement, but of continuing the close relations between Russia and the Republic of Slovenia. The Republic of Slovenia is a reliable ally and partner of the Russian Federation. And therefore, we would like to take advantage of these opportunities.

Libyan President Gaddafi asked me to say hello and give his best regards. And with regard with the gas pipeline, he advised us to sign an agreement that will be beneficial and for the good of both parties.

Vladimir Putin: The leader of the Libyan revolution (Muammar al-Gaddafi) is a very experienced man. And he truly is a great expert in the energy sector. I say this without any exaggeration.

I think that ultimately our three countries will be able to work together. In any case, we are working with the Italians on this issue.

And if Slovenia takes part in South Stream, it will also gain opportunities to participate in major, multilateral, pan-European projects.

I would also like to draw attention to the fact that we reached a record volume of trade that last year. It has fallen slightly this year. But during today's discussion, we will most certainly find ways to rectify the situation.