Russian-French relations develop very well – Putin

Russian-French relations are developing very well, says Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He was speaking with the former French President Jacques Chirac in Paris earlier today. We cooperate perfectly well on the international scene and agree our moves in the economy, Putin said. 

Since the global economic crisis struck, the amount of bilateral trade has shrunk by 22%, but growth made up 37% in the first quarter of this year. Putin met Chirac prior to inaugurating a Russian national exhibition in Paris.  

On Thursday Vladimir Putin met his French counterpart Francois Fillon to discuss energy, social and humanitarian cooperation.