Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Vladimir Putin: Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad to see you in Helsinki. Norway is one of our most reliable and stable partners. We are deepening our relations in practically all spheres. Negotiations are under way on the complex issue of delimiting our economic interests in the North. We are also collaborating on major energy projects. Our Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation is moving forward. The next of its regular meetings is scheduled for April 9 in Moscow. I am glad to have the opportunity today to share information on the issues facing our countries.

Jens Stoltenberg (as translated): Mr Prime Minister, I am very glad to have this opportunity to meet with you. The last time we met was in Moscow a year ago. The 10th anniversary of our first meeting back when you were President of Russia and I was Prime Minister of Norway is coming up soon.

We have met frequently during these 10 years and I see this as proof of the good and close neighbourly relations that exist between our two countries. We have made significant achievements in the economy and the energy industry. We have received worldwide recognition for our success in jointly managing our fish resources. We are also discussing issues pertaining to the delimitation of northern waters. I think that the atmosphere in these talks is positive and that they are producing important results. I believe that the successful resolution of this issue will open new opportunities for economic cooperation between our countries, for example in the energy industry.

Vladimir Putin: I completely agree.