Having arrived at Skolkovo, Schwarzenegger discussed issues of innovation and modernization with President Medvedev, not only in technology, but also in sports and culture. He also talked about Russia as a new democracy and his desire to support it in this democratic process.

In his speech, Schwarzenegger stated that California is the leader of the micro-technology, and although they do have their secrets, they would rather share them and help Skolkovo get off the ground.

President Medvedev joked in turn that California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger could become Moscow’s mayor if he had Russian citizenship.

The Russian President and California Governor have an established relationship. In fact, Medvedev visited Schwarzenegger in Silicon Valley in June. At that time, the governor promised: “I will come back to Moscow.”

Now, following the hospitality rules, Dmitry Medvedev took Schwarzenegger for a drive in his “Chaika”, a retro Soviet car. The guest from California shared his impressions of a trip in his Twitter: “Riding with President Medvedev in his great car. You're a great driver, Mr. President!”

Vladimir Kremlev for RT (click to enlarge)

Schwarzenegger noted that he had already been to Moscow several times: on vacation, for the filming of the movie “Red Heat”, and to meet his Russian friends. “However, I could never have imagined coming here as the California governor”, he confessed.

For Russian people, Arnold Schwarzenegger is not only the governor of the State of California; he is the Terminator, an international superstar. Many Russians have grown up watching his movies, learning them by heart. He is an important figure, a symbol of freedom to many people here.

Schwarzenegger himself has some personal ties with Russia. According to “the Governator”, it was a Russian heavyweight champion who inspired him to become who he is today:

“I was 15 years old, watching the 1961 world weight-lifting championship, where Russians just destroyed everybody. There was a guy named Yury Vlasov and he was gigantic. He looked like an intellectual, with his glasses on. I found out later that he was an engineer and a very well-educated man, but of tremendous strength, determination, and endurance. He was this monster guy, and I said to myself – that’s what I want to do when I grow up.”

After two days in Moscow the California Governor’s delegation, not including Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, will fly to the city of Kazan for further talks with local businesses.