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Putin, Dutch premier ready to continue dialogue on human rights

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expects to meet Putin in the Netherlands in 3 months

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

ST PETERSBURG, June 20 (Itar-Tass) - Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he is ready to continue the dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin on human rights.

During the meeting on Thursday on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said he had recently met Rutte in the Netherlands. “We had an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues. The fact that you’ve arrived in St Petersburg as head of the representative delegation proves your interest in developing relations,” Putin stressed.

“I hope that you’ll be able to find the time and go sightseeing of our wonderful city,” Putin told Rutte.

“We believe that we have big prospects for increasing trade and economic relations,” the Dutch prime minister said.

He recalled that while in Amsterdam the leaders of both countries had discussed human rights. “I’m very glad to continue the dialogue,” he said.

“If we follow this way, we’ll meet in Holland in three months,” Rutte added. “I’ll be very glad,” the president agreed.

Putin said he is satisfied with trade turnover between Russia and the Netherlands. “Our trade reached 82 billion U.S. dollars. Investments also grow. We realise key projects. It is always important and it is doubly important amidst economic turbulence in the world,” the Russian president said.

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