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Mr Putin and Mr Blair discussed a number of practical issues of bilateral cooperation. They noted the significance of an Annual Russian Economic Forum, due to open in London soon, for the development of the two countries’ business contacts.
They also exchanged opinions on the high-level meetings to be held in 2003, including President Putin’s state visit to the United Kingdom scheduled for June 2003.
Discussing the Iraq crisis, they stressed the importance of the UN Security Council’s decision to resume the Oil for Food programme. They noted with satisfaction that despite the well-known differences in their positions, the two countries shared the same opinion on the UN’s central role in international relations.
Mr Putin told Mr Blair about the outcome of the constitutional referendum in the Chechen Republic. Mr Blair said the event was highly significant.
March 30, 2003