Official website of the President of Russia

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Vladimir Putin: My sincere greetings to you, Mr President.

I am very glad we have fulfilled the agreement that you and I reached in Kananaskis. I hope it is not very hot here.

Mr President, you know there are many people in Russia who love France. They respect you deeply and received with concern reports that there was an attempt on your life. Thank God it all ended well. This only goes to confirm once again how dangerous pro-fascist forces are.

You and I, Mr President, have a broad agenda of positive issues to discuss. France traditionally plays a leading role in world politics. I am confident that following the latest domestic political developments and the strengthening of the power structure in France this role will grow to a much greater extent.

We have many things to coordinate. These are above all our bilateral ties, and I find it gratifying to note that an idea you once suggested is being fleshed out. I am referring to a bilateral council on security issues chaired by foreign ministers and involving defence ministers.

The French position is very important for us in our dealings with the European Union. I would also like to hear what you think about and how you visualise a new system of security in the world and in Europe. And there are, of course, such pressing issues to discuss as the Balkans, Middle East and the fight against terrorism. Incidentally, I had a conversation with Prime Minister Sharon two hours ago, and he asked me to convey his most cordial regards to you.

Our bilateral economic ties are developing in a positive manner, and trade is growing all the time. Yet, compared with some of our other partners, trade turnover is not high enough. At the same time we have many positive achievements to report. France has increased the number of Russian banks whose guarantees are recognised in foreign economic deals and has granted Russia a more acceptable risk level.

Good progress, in my view, is being made in aerospace cooperation, which, I know, is under your personal control.

We are very glad to see you, Mr President. I expect this hour and a half will be pleasant and productive for you.

Jacques Chirac: Mr President, I would first of all like to thank you for your reception. I appreciate your words and hospitality. We have met many times, and just recently in Kananaskis, and I always find it interesting to hear you speak on topical world issues and the architecture of international relations.

Changes take short time. Currently, Russia is gradually regaining its important role in world politics. Russia is a great country. This statement is true both from an economic and a political point of view.

Europe is evolving, too. It will expand and transform itself. Europe is gaining in strength, and that is why ties between Russia and Europe are so important for the world today; they are of equal importance for us and for you.

All the latest events – strategic evolution, the struggle against terrorism, the agreement between Russia and NATO, and Russia’s established place in the G8 today and perhaps in the WTO tomorrow – are all new developments and harbingers of a new world order.

Our first priority is therefore to map out fields of coordination between Europe and Russia. France also wants to play a role.

I am very glad to discuss all these matters with you.

Thank you.