President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: It gives me great pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the warm welcome both literally and metaphorically. Today is perfect weather and this also shows that generally all is clear in our relationship as well. Our relationship is that between very close countries, countries that have developed as close neighbours over centuries, countries that are now developing relations on all fronts: in the economic, cultural and educational spheres, as well as in the field of regional cooperation. I think that this is extremely important for our peoples and for the region in general.
Regarding our agenda, it is fairly extensive. We will certainly discuss various issues of cooperation together.
I am glad that we will have the opportunity not only to hold formal negotiations, but to continue this dialogue in different formats. For this reason this is a full-value visit, not simply an episodic encounter. And you were absolutely right to say that “our friendship is sealed with the blood of our ancestors, those who fought at Khalkin Gol [decisive battle of the undeclared Soviet-Japanese Border War in 1939], those who defended the independence of our country.” Such events are never forgotten.
While keeping in mind these events and paying tribute to our predecessors, to all those who developed contacts and links between our two peoples, I think that our task is to look to the future and create a new, solid foundation for our relations for the decades to come.
Once again I thank you, Mr President, for this meeting. I am very glad to visit Mongolia.