The two presidents discussed the current state and future of bilateral trade, economic, investment, and energy relations, as well as opportunities for stepping up humanitarian contact and cooperating on foreign policy matters, including within various international organisations and on pressing regional issues.
The Russian delegation at the meeting included Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin.
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Beginning of the meeting with President of the United Mexican States Enrique Pena Nieto
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, it is a great pleasure to meet with you on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
In December 2017, we will mark 127years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, which goes to show that our countries share deep-rooted ties. In addition, the declaration on relations between our countries marks its 20th anniversary this year.
Total trade turnover is quite modest at about $2 billion. Last year, it increased by 7.5 percent, and was up 38 percent in the first six months of 2017.
Of course, we need to revitalise the Intergovernmental Commission that should provide a new impetus for stepping up our economic ties.
We started the discussion on our relations during yesterday’s dinner. I am glad that we now have the opportunity to continue this dialogue.
President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto (retranslated): Mr President,
It is a great pleasure for me to be able to have a bilateral meeting with you in the follow-up to the numerous informal meetings we have had at various events. I am glad that this tradition carries on.
I would like to note that our countries do share long-standing relations, and despite the geographical distance, we have been able to develop our relations in the spirit of friendship and good-heartedness.
You were absolutely correct when you said that our trade has so far failed to match the immense potential our countries have and should use for promoting investment.
If you allow me, I would like to highlight areas where we could engage in proactive cooperation. We are carrying out structural reforms, primarily in the energy sector, and we have private investment, and private companies that are active in the market.
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