The breakup of the Soviet Union is a national tragedy on an enormous scale only the elites and nationalists of the republics gained.

Our aims are absolutely clear: They are a high living standard in the country and a secure, free and comfortable life.

I believe that global common interests are a good foundation for finding solutions together.

Prime Minister [Shinzō Abe] and I have spoken a lot, and we said all the right things, in my opinion, about creating an atmosphere of trust and friendship between our nations and peoples.

President al-Assad and his army are the only force that actually fights ISIS.

We believe that we could do a great deal to neutralise regional conflicts. Also, for example, to continue joint activities in space, for peaceful civilian purposes.

We have every reason to say, and I note this with great satisfaction, that a truly friendly relationship has evolved with China, and in many key areas these relations, without any exaggeration, have a strategic character. As we say, the strategic character of privileged partnership.