During a meeting at Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General, President Vladimir Putin spoke for closer Russian-Canadian partnership on the bilateral and international levels.
Mr Putin stressed that Russian-Canadian contacts had always been extremely diversified, which was presently true of political ties, and trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation.
The two nations have always treated each other with the utmost respect, sympathy and interest, the President said. He highlighted firm historical roots of Russian-Canadian partnership, and referred to the centenary of establishing Russia’s first consulate in Canada, celebrated in May 2000.
See also
Official Visit to Canada
December 18 − 19, 2000