The official ceremonies began on Constitution Square by the La Moneda Palace, the Chilean President’s residence.
In accordance with protocol, Mr Putin and Mr Lagos passed by the guard of honour and the Russian delegation was then introduced. The ceremonies continued in the palace’s Cannon Yard where the two Presidents passed by the ranks of the Carabineros Guards and the national anthems of the two countries were played.
Talks between the two Presidents took place once the official ceremonies were completed.
Mr Putin noted the importance of this personal meeting with the President of Chile for developing bilateral relations. The Russian President thanked Mr Lagos for organising the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum summit in Santiago and also for his invitation to make the first official visit by a Russian head of state to Chile.
The talks then continued with the participation of the two countries’ delegations.
Mr Putin noted that relations between Russia and Chile are expanding but that trade and economic ties are lagging behind political relations.
The President said he is certain that the two countries have all the opportunities they need to develop their trade and economic ties, in particular in the mining industry, the fuel and energy sector, aircraft building, fishing and other sectors.
Following talks the leaders of two countries signed a Joint Declaration that notes the shared or close positions that Russia and Chile hold on the main international issues. The Presidents spoke in favour of developing dialogue, forming a fair and democratic world order and strengthening the central role of the United Nations in maintaining global stability and security. Seven bilateral documents were also signed by the members of two delegations.
At the end of the Russia-Chile summit Mr Putin and Mr Escobar held a news conference.