Beginning of a Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda 2008-07-08 19:01:17 Toyako Onsen, Hokkaido, Japan Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda: Mr President! First of all I would like to thank you for the warm welcome that you extended me during my visit to Russia in April and for finding time to meet with me then. I am delighted to welcome you to Japan. I am grateful for your active contribution to the discussions during the G8. Our previous meeting took place before you assumed the office of president, and I have drawn attention to the fact that, after assuming the office of president, you have announced new initiatives, attaching special importance to protecting individual liberty and the rule of law. I have carefully read the interview that you gave to the media prior to your coming to Japan. President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Dear Mr Prime Minister! First of all I would like to thank you for the excellent organisation of the summit, and for providing us with such a comfortable environment and such a beautiful place to work in. And, despite the fog, work is proceeding at a very good pace.