Russian president makes premiere visits to Algeria and Cyprus. Arriving in Algeria for his first state visit on Wednesday, October 6, President Dmitry Medvedev was welcomed for talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. As the two agreed to further their countries’ work together, they signed six cooperation agreements, with the Russian president saying that their collaboration would also be expanding into areas such as industry and investment.

(In Russian)
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's President: Six documents were signed just now. Our cooperation goes beyond these spheres. We've agreed to step up our joint efforts in industrial cooperation. We will consider investment projects in a variety of fields.

President Medvedev then made an historic first-ever visit to Greek Cyprus, where he and President Demetris Christofias signed 16 new agreements covering many different sectors, including a key accord to remove double taxation, which is hoped to increase investment in both countries. President Medvedev also affirmed Russia’s longstanding friendship with Cyprus, while at the same time conveying his country’s support for Turkish reunification as he stated, “Russia’s position on the settlement of the Cyprus dispute remains unchanged: There must be a united country with single sovereignty and two communities. We want this settlement to be all-embracing and meet the interests of both the Greeks and the Turks.”

Dmitry Medvedev, Russian President: Russia is backing the idea of reunification of the two parts of the island and an emergence or reemergence of a unified state. We believe that this meets the aspirations of its citizens.

Our respectful accolades, President Medvedev, for your cordial and productive premiere visits. May the people of Russia, Algeria, and Cyprus benefit from the new initiatives to enjoy peaceful and prosperous futures together.