The heads of state discussed a number of bilateral issues, including trade, economic and investment cooperation, Russia’s relations with NATO and the EU, as well as the survival of the Kaliningrad Region in light of the EU enlargement scheduled for 2004. Luxembourg’s Prime Minister expressed his hope that by the Russian-EU summit, scheduled for November 11, a solution would be found to that problem that would suit both the parties. In the near future EU representatives will make concrete proposals to their Russian colleagues.
Mr Putin and Mr Juncker also exchanged their opinions on the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan and noted the similarity of their positions on the problems.
They also discussed the fight against international terrorism. The President thanked the Prime Minister for his words of condolence and support to the families of those who were killed during the hostage crisis at the Dubrovka Theatre Centre in Moscow, saying that at such moments international solidarity was of special significance.
The Russian head of state praised Mr Juncker’s initiative to combine the celebrations of the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg with a number of meetings with world leaders.