"I hope that our accomplishments in the development of Russian-Spanish relations in the past years will be used as the basis for boosting relations between our countries," President Putin said. "I know that you have been elected honorary chairman of the People's Party of Spain," he told the former premier, whom he knows for many years.
"You are in the epicentre of many political projects; I would be happy not only to speak with you about our personal relations but also to listen to your evaluation of the developments in Europe and other regions of the world. You are welcome," said the Russian president.
In turn, Mr. Aznar said that he had had a chance to proclaim his friendship with the Russian president and his support for the irreconcilable struggle against terrorism. "After the [recent] terrible terrorist attacks aimed at Russia, I feel closer to President Putin than ever before," said the former premier. "I want to assure you that I see you as a friend with whom I can and seriously want to work together."
"For years we had worked jointly for prosperity and tranquillity in the world, and I hope that we will carry on our co-operation in our current capacities," said the former premier of Spain. "It was a great honour for me to come to Moscow and meet with such a dear friend as Vladimir Putin."
At the beginning of the meeting, Vladimir Putin and Jose Maria Aznar spent several minutes alone, without interpreters, talking about something in English.
