President Putin meets newly appointed ambassadors

Russia is planning to deepen economic and humanitarian cooperation with Moldova, announced Russian President Vladimir Putin, accepting credentials from newly appointed ambassadors of Moldova, Ethiopia, Australia, Armenia, Malta, Tanzania and Turkey during a Kremlin-based ceremony on Thursday.

The president stressed that Russia's policy was based on acknowledgement and respect towards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova.

He expressed a conviction that Moldova's decision to attend meetings of the Eurasian Economic Community, which unites Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as an observer would help streamline bilateral cooperation and integration in the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Addressing the Armenian ambassador, Putin noted that Russia was planning to strengthen "historically allied relations with the Republic of Armenia" by furthering political dialogue and bilateral economic relations, and by expanding cooperation in the framework of the CIS and other regional and international structures.

He drew general attention to "constructive development" of economic bilateral relations, saying it provided "a good base" for future contacts in the economic sphere.

"Russia is convinced that an approach of the kind described fully corresponds with the interests of our countries and nations and will actually help strengthen peace and stability in the Caucasus," remarked the president.

Pointing out the dynamic development of Russian-Turkish relations, Putin said: "We have all the conditions necessary to raise them to a qualitatively new level of comprehensive partnership." According to his words, the top priority tasks facing the two countries are to step up political dialogue and bilateral business cooperation in the spheres of economy, culture, education, and tourism. Russia also hopes it is possible to "constructively cooperate" in the sphere of combating international crime, he added.

Turning to the Australian ambassador, Putin said Australia played an important part in the political and economic life of the Asia Pacific Region and kept increasing the role it played on the international scene. "Strengthening of links with APR countries is one of the priorities of Russia's foreign policy," he said, stressing that was why Russia found development of its contacts with Australia so important.

Recalling that July 26 was the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Russia and Malta, the president said that both countries had approached that significant date "with good results." "We value our friendship traditions," he said. "They are based on absolute respect for Malta's sovereignty." Addressing the Tanzanian ambassador, Putin noted that Russia was ready to expand comprehensive cooperation with his country and discover new vistas for joint work.

Russia highly values "the more than century-long friendship and cooperation with Ethiopia," he went on. According to his words, Moscow intends to activate them and "increase the potential of bilateral links." In conclusion of his speech, the Russian leader said the ambassadors' activity in Russia would help strengthen friendship and trust between countries and nations and develop bilateral links. He promised the ambassadors his support and understanding of their mission.