Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met author Maurice Druon
Transcript of a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Maurice Druon:
Maurice Druon: I am very glad to see you, Mr Putin.
Vladimir Putin: I am very glad to see you, too.
Maurice Druon: It is a great honour and a great joy for me.
Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank you for the opportunity to meet you. You have very many fans in Russia. I would like to say that we perceive you not only as a literary classic, but as a major political figure, who is doing a great deal to enable the people of Russia and France to understand each other better, as an ambassador of the great French culture.
Maurice Druon: I am very glad, I really love Russia very much, I have many readers there and I think my biggest Russian friend is Prime Minister Putin.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Maurice Druon: I think you've grown younger.
Vladimir Putin: Perhaps it's the effect of Paris? (both laugh) I've got more work to do now.
Maurice Druon: I was sure that you would make the right political choice.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Maurice Druon: Over the past six months I have been sure that after leaving the post of President you will become Prime Minister, you will head up the Government, you will not change the Constitution and you will continue your work as Prime Minister.
Vladimir Putin: Our main task is the development and modernisation of the country. We have great many tasks, we have a good team, and a stable economic and political situation. A lot of interesting work lies ahead and we feel the support of our people, the support of Russian citizens, and this is the main thing. We can accomplish a great deal working jointly with France.
Maurice Druon: I think so too.
Vladimir Putin: In 2010, we will hold the Year of France in Russia and the Year of Russia in France, a big and multifaceted cultural event. I am sure it will also benefit our relations, above all in the cultural sphere.
