OREANDA-NEWS.   During his visit to China Vladimir Putin met with the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA VLADIMIR PUTIN: Mr Secretary-General, colleagues, I am very happy to have the opportunity to see you again, this time in Shanghai. We see the intensive work of the United Nations Secretariat on key issues of the international agenda.

As you know, Russia is taking a very active stance in international affairs, specifically within the UN framework, which we believe is the only multifaceted international organisation, the only effective decision-making instrument on the most pressing international issues of our time.

I am very happy to maintain a working relationship with you.

UN SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON: Thank you, Mr President. I would like to thank you for receiving me during this CICA meeting despite your very busy schedule.

I know you are a hard worker. Meeting with you at 10 pm means that you are working very hard and very much committed to peace and security in the world.

I would like to express my sincere condolences on the train collision, which happened near Moscow.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Yes, I have been informed already, I am aware of the human casualties. We are taking all necessary measures to help the injured. And we will help the victims’ families. Repair works on the railway tracks is underway. There will certainly be a thorough investigation of the accident.

BAN KI-MOON: My deepest condolences to them and a speedy recovery to those other people, and I hope all will be taken care of well under your leadership.

VLADIMIR PUTIN: Thank you very much.

BAN KI-MOON: Mr President, I have limited time and I would like to continue our discussion of the situation in Ukraine and, time permitting, I would like to again touch briefly on the current situation in Syria.