PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA

Presidential Aide Dmitry Mironov chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for Cossack Affairs.

During the conversation, Vladimir Putin wished Ilham Aliyev a happy birthday.

The two sides confirmed their mutual commitment to strengthen the allied relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan comprehensively and agreed to maintain contacts.

The conversation, which was cordial and friendly, was joined by First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyev. There was an exchange of affectionate greetings on the occasion of the upcoming New Year festivities.

In addition, a separate message of greetings was sent to the President of Azerbaijan.

Late the previous night, Vladimir Putin met with State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. The head of the lower house briefed the President on the house’s legislative work during the autumn session and the outgoing calendar year.

Vladimir Putin congratulated President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his birthday.

Vladimir Putin approved a list of instructions following the meeting of the Presidential Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport, held on November 6.

The Maritime Board of the Russian Federation held its meeting.

Famous musicians and performers, scientists and educators, distinguished athletes, healthcare, industry, and agriculture specialists, as well as other prominent figures from a variety of fields will attend the event to receive orders, medals, and honorary titles.

The President held a working meeting with Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Alexander Gutsan. The parties discussed the agency’s current priorities.

The President signed Directive On a Special Decision Regarding a Transaction Involving Shares in the Charter Capital of the Ruhrpumpen RUS Limited Liability Company.

The President signed Directive On a Special Decision Regarding Transactions with Shares in the IDF Eurasia International Joint Stock Company.

The President signed Executive Order On Awarding an Honorary Designation to the 6th Leningrad Red Banner, Order of Zhukov Air Force and Air Defence Army.

In St Petersburg, Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

A bilateral meeting between Vladimir Putin and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon was held at the State Hermitage Museum. Earlier, the Head of State of the Republic of Tajikistan took part in an informal meeting of the leaders of the CIS member countries.

Following the informal meeting of CIS leaders, Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Vladimir Putin and the heads of state of CIS countries visited the State Hermitage Museum.

Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the participants of the 12th Congress of the Union of Filmmakers of the Russian Federation.

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to employees and veterans of the Russian power industry on Energy Industry Worker’s Day and on the 105th anniversary of the State Plan for the Electrification of Russia (GOELRO).

Vladimir Putin attended the award ceremony of the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize.

The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council holds a meeting in St Petersburg.

President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: Mr President, as per tradition, you have the floor.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, friends.

Once again, welcome. Now we are meeting in the expanded format. I would like to thank everyone for responding to our invitation and coming to St Petersburg, Russia.

We have just discussed current issues fairly extensively at the restricted-format meeting. Now, we are welcoming our colleagues and friends who have joined us and who show interest in the work of the Eurasian Economic Council in various formats. I believe that it will be useful both for the Council and for the states that, once again, show interest in our cooperation.

We have stated that participation in the EAEU has yielded significant dividends, including accelerated growth of industrial output and the economy in general while also expanding possibilities for contacts between our peoples. The overall effect is fairly positive.

Of course, each state should take a closer look at all the aspects of our cooperation. This is what the EAEU Chairman will tell us about, and Belarus currently holds the chairmanship. I am happy to pass the floor to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.

To be continued.