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Mr Putin and Mr Simitis discussed a wide range of issues relating to bilateral cooperation and to the current international situation.

They expressed particular concern over the situation in the Balkans and urged the world community to spare no effort to settle the situation in the region through guaranteeing the Balkan states territorial integrity and sovereignty. Mr Putin and Mr Simitis also noted the importance of assisting democratic governments of the Balkan countries in the fight against extremism and separatism.

The participants in the meeting spoke for the all-round development of cooperation between Russia and the European Union, including in energy. President Putin said he was ready to support plans to build an oil pipeline between Burgas and Alexandroupolis. In his view, this was the best route for shipping oil from Russia to Southern Europe and the Balkans.