Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with former French President Jacques Chirac
Transcripts of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Jacques Chirac:
Vladimir Putin: We face many challenges, above all in the economic and social spheres. The catchy word "modernisation", which is often heard here, is very popular in my country, too. We have many problems of state development to address. We consider our main task to be improving the life of the country's citizens.
Our policy with regard to France is developing very well. There is continuity, we are aware of it, and we are very grateful to you for laying the basis for this. It has practical significance. We used to discuss the possibility of French companies taking part in major energy projects in Russia, and now it is happening in practice. French investments in other sectors of the Russian economy are expanding. Our investments in France are growing.
In 2010, we will hold the Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in Russia. And in this connection, as I have already told you, the Russian President, Mr Medvedev, has signed a decree awarding Mr Chirac the State Prize of Russia this year. It is an important recognition of your services to the development of Russian-French relations in recent years. I would like once again to thank you for this and to congratulate you. It is a very big occasion for us. We would like to see you in Moscow on June 12.
Yesterday I had very good and businesslike talks both with the Prime Minister and the President of France. Our whole delegation is very pleased with the frank, occasionally sharp, as usual between you and me, but always constructive, discussion of the tasks that face us, the tasks we have to address in the short-term and on which we intend to work on both sides.
I am very glad to see you.
Jacques Chirac: First of all, I would like to express my feelings of friendship and great respect. It is a friendship that did not begin yesterday and that is very sincere. My respect for you stems above all from the brilliant way you have been running Russia. Under your leadership the quality of life in Russia has improved greatly. Russia has significantly strengthened its position in the world. The past 10 years have been great years for Russia. Because a balance of forces in the world is impossible without a strong Europe and without a well-organised Europe. I would like to pay due to your actions, which in fact started it all. As a European and a citizen of the world I would like to sincerely congratulate you on that.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
