Mr Putin discussed a wide range of topics during his meetings at the Russian Embassy in Washington. His conversations concerned petroleum production, investments in the Russian economy, culture, religion, ice hockey and the upcoming Winter Olympics.
He received Lee Raymond, Chairma of Exxon Mobil,, who told him about American financial participation in the Sakhalin 1 project and the oil giant’s plans for further work in Russia.
Later on, Mr Putin met with the leaders of the largest American Jewish organisations.
He also talked to Russian Olympic Committee President Leonid Tyagachev, and prominent ice hockey players Vyacheslav Fetisov and the Bure brothers—Pavel and Valery. They discussed Russian team preparations for the Winter Olympics, due to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah, in February 2002. Mr Fetisov, employed until recently with the NHL New Jersey Devils, had been appointed chief coach of the Russian team shortly before the meeting.