The talks were preceded by an official welcoming ceremony for President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo held by President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

The international consultations began with a restricted format meeting between the two leaders, with Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin attending the meeting on the Russian side. The talks continued in an expanded format.

The agenda included prospects for the development of Russian-Guinea-Bissauan cooperation in various fields, as well as current international and regional issues.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin:

Mr President,

Friends,

We are delighted to see you in Moscow on a state visit. As far as I know, this year marks 50 years – or even more than 50 years – of diplomatic relations between our countries. And all these years, our ties were expanding successfully, relying on mutual respect and growing trust. You also take part in Russia-Africa summits, for which I am very grateful, and you are making a significant contribution to this joint work.

I would like to emphasise that last year, trade between Russia and Africa continued to grow, increasing by 10 percent. However, trade and economic ties between our two countries undoubtedly require careful attention from both sides. I sincerely hope we can reach agreements so that these ties gain additional momentum. There is strong potential and promising opportunities in this area, as many Russian companies are showing increasing interest in working in the Guinea-Bissauan market.

I know that you have elections this year. I really do hope that the Guinea-Bissauans will support you, and you will continue your work as President. The good relations that have developed between our states in recent years are largely associated with your name, and are progressing with your support.

Our cultural ties are also expanding. I am primarily referring to the growing interest among young people in getting an education in Russia. This applies to military education and training as much as civilian programmes. Traditionally, the military of Guinea-Bissau get their degrees from Russian military academies. Moreover, we have even increased the quota for our Guinea-Bissauan friends for the current year.

Mr President, we are delighted to see you.

Welcome to Russia.

President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo (in Russian): Thank you, brother, dear Mr Putin.

(Retranslated.) I am delighted to be here today on a state visit to the Russian Federation as President of Guinea-Bissau.

It is true that this year we will mark the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Back in the Soviet Union era, Russia made a significant contribution to the establishment of our country and the development of our nation, and we remember this.

We would like to thank you for increasing quotas for our military, police officers, and students studying in Russia. Some companies are also interested in developing relations with Guinea-Bissau. We are reliable partners.

Today I am here in order to promote the ties of our friendship between the Guinea-Bissauan and Russian peoples. They are brotherly peoples. I would like to use this occasion to thank you for inviting me to come to Russia on a state visit. Please, know that we are ready to strengthen the ties of cooperation.

Of course, we intend to maintain relations with the entire continent of Africa, too. We have maintained relations with all the countries since they gained independence.

Vladimir Putin: Welcome.