Mr Putin and Mr Avdeyev discussed preparations for celebrating the 150th birthday of writer Anton Chekhov, reconstruction plans for Russian theatres (notably the Bolshoi Theatre), the reform of the circus system (in particular, the transfer of circuses to the regions), and methods to regain ownership of Russian cultural heritage abroad.
"I would like to thank you and congratulate you on your victory in the lawsuit as a result of which Russia has regained ownership of a large property in southern France, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicholas in Nice, one of the largest Orthodox churches outside Russia. Please convey my wholehearted gratitude to the employees of the Foreign Ministry who contributed to this effort".
