Mr Putin said he was pleased to note the growing cooperation between De Beers and leading Russian diamond producer ALROSA, and that he hoped this constructive cooperation would continue.
The President thanked Mr Oppenheimer for his initiative to establish the South Africa-Russia Business Council.
Mr Oppenheimer noted that his company has been working with Russia for 30 years now and said he was confident that future development of business contacts would benefit the peoples of both countries.
See also
Official Visit to South Africa
September 5 − 6, 2006