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The message, delivered through Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov currently on a visit to London, said, in part, that over a short period of time the leaders of Russia and Great Britain had achieved a great deal to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

At the same time, Mr Putin stressed, against the background of stable political dialogue at all levels, it was becoming increasingly evident that economic cooperation between our countries was obviously lagging behind.

The Russian President stated that although foreign businessmen still faced certain difficulties in Russia, much had been done and was being done to improve the situation: the national legislation was being updated and a number of laws had been enacted to provide a solid legal framework for foreign investment in the Russian economy.

Mr Putin expressed hope that Russia’s efforts to boost trade and economic cooperation would be met with the political support of the British Government, and the current visit by Russian Prime Minister to the United Kingdom would pave the way to a comprehensive development of economic cooperation between the two countries.

The head of state also expressed confidence that Mikhail Kasyanov’s negotiations and meetings in London would lay the groundwork for Tony Blair’s upcoming visit to Russia.