The President of Russia officially announced the beginning of talks on a new agreement between Russia and the EU. Dmitry Medvedev stressed that work on the accord will begin with a view to that the EU has to finalise a number of internal procedures, and described the agreement as the means of effecting a genuine rapprochement between Russia and the EU on the principles of equality, pragmatism, respect and the common interests of the parties in their approaches to key security issues. The Russian head of state also emphasised the need to reach an agreement on visa-free travel for citizens of Russia and the EU.
Dmitry Medvedev noted that the road maps that were approved in 2005 are still an important basis on which to build relations between Russia and the EU.
During the negotiations, the sides exchanged views on European security. The Russian head of state emphasised that Russia and the EU have a common vision of the security issues and indicated Russia's willingness to take further practical steps in strengthening stability and security in Europe and the world.
The President of Russia thanked colleagues for their constructive approach to the issues discussed and expressed his confidence that the meeting in Khanty-Mansiisk will be an important step in the continuing development of relations between Russia and the EU.