Czech President Milos Zeman arrived in Sochi on Tuesday. Putin and he spoke Russian.
Vladimir Putin: We are glad to see you. Relations between the Czech Republic and Russia continue to improve despite the recent problems, including thanks to your efforts.
Milos Zeman: You know when I went to France, only fourteen businesspeople accompanied me. One hundred and forty have come with me to Russia, which is ten times more.
Vladimir Putin: Because the Czech Republic has a bigger market here than in France.
Milos Zeman: Absolutely.
Of course, the sanctions and Russian counter-sanctions weren't left behind. Then the presidents also exchanged jokes.
Milos Zeman: One fine day, Mr. President, we need to put an end to it in the food department. After all, if you do not, you will not be able to enjoy our excellent cheeses and yogurts.
Vladimir Putin: We will get some beer, and then sort out the yogurt.
Milos Zeman and his big business delegation left Sochi for the Urals, to Yekaterinburg, to attend the Russian-Czech business forum, where 6 contracts worth a total of $ 20 billion were also signed there.
In general, the Czech Republic has special business ties with our middle Urals. Czech light aircraft L-410 are assembled there, for example. Czech Tatra also helps build modernized trams for Russia. An important moment for Zeman was laying flowers at the memorial to Czech legionaries, who fought in World War I on Russia's side.
