In an official visit to Rio de Janeiro, the President of Russia, Dimitri Medvedev, was received on Tuesday, 25th November, by Governor Sérgio Cabral. One of the main items on the agenda was Rio’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. After the meeting, Medvedev visited the Maracanã Stadium in which it is planned to stage the Rio 2016 opening and closing ceremonies, as well as important football matches.

Governor Sérgio Cabral described details of the candidature to the Russian President during the meeting. “Russia made a campaign for the 2014 Winter Olympics and won. It also hosted the 1980 Olympics. The experience and support Russia can provide the Rio 2016 project will be very important”, says Sérgio Cabral.

Dimitri Medvedev went to the Maracanã and was impressed with the legendary stadium. “I am amazed by the sheer size of the Maracanã. The Football World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympics would definitely put sport in the spotlight and would highlight Rio de Janeiro on the international scene”, declared stated President Medvedev.

Yesterday, President Lula received his Russian counterpart at an official dinner at the Palácio Laranjeiras in Rio de Janeiro. The Rio 2016 project is on the agenda for discussions between the two heads-of-state. "The candidature of Rio de Janeiro is a priority issue for the State and people of Brazil and, inasmuch, we are seeking the support of all Brazil's friends", stated President Lula.