Official website of the President of Russia

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Vladimir Putin thanked Tony Blair and the British public for their sympathy and understanding in connection with the sinking of the Kursk nuclear-powered submarine in the Barents Sea and for their offer to help in the rescue operations.

Mr Putin and Mr Blair discussed different aspects of the rescue operation. Vladimir Putin expressed hope that, although the British rescue submarine did not correspond to Russian standards, it could prove very helpful.

Mr Putin and Mr Blair stressed that current cooperation in an emergency is another convincing example of effective Russian-British partnership.

The two leaders also discussed preparations for bilateral talks at the upcoming UN Millennium Summit to be held in New York in September.