BUENOS AIRES, July 13 /ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that his talks with Argentine President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner will open new opportunities for building strategic partnership between the two countries.

“I am convinced that the results of today’s talks will open up new opportunities for building strategic partnership between our two countries; strengthen business and creative contacts and promote further interaction in the international arena,” President Putin said at dinner which the president of Argentina had given in honour of the Russian guest.

President of Uruguay Jose Mujica was also present at dinner at the invitation of Argentina’s president.

“I am very pleased to note that today’s talks passed in an atmosphere of full understanding. Openness, sincerity and trust are the distinguishing features of our multi-dimensional contacts. I am sure that this is a solid foundation for strengthening further cooperation between our countries and peoples,” Putin said, thanking the Argentine leader for the warm reception given to the Russian delegation.

Argentina is one of Russia’s leading Latin American partners.

“Our countries hold similar stances on key international problems; together, they defend the principles of a multi-polar world, equality, mutual respect and indivisible security,” the Russian president went on to say.

“For its part, Russia invariably comes out for the solution of a dispute over the sovereignty over the Malvinas islands which should be found through direct negotiations between Argentina and Britain. In this connection, I cannot but pay attention to the latest remarks by Ms President about the existence of double standards in international affairs. We cooperate closely at the United Nations, the G20 format and within the framework of other associations and forums,” Putin added.

He recalled what Mr.Ionin, Russia’s first minister to Buenos Aires, wrote back in 1885. He said that “our two countries can extend hands to each other and become allies.”

“Following his advice, we have frequently supported each other over the 130 years since we established diplomatic relations,” the Russian president stressed, adding that Argentina had become the second homeland for hundreds of thousands of native Russians.

“Argentina has the biggest Russian-speaking community in South America, including the descendants of our famous dynasties, painters, politicians and military leaders. Many of them maintain spiritual links to Russia, its history and culture and make a positive contribution to strengthening mutual understanding between our peoples,” President Putin stressed.