In the morning, the Russian President laid flowers on the Slavin monument to Soviet soldiers who fought in battles for the liberation of Slovakia. The President of Slovakia, Ivan Gasparovic, also took part in the ceremony.
After they laid the flowers, Mr Putin and Mr Gasparovic welcomed Russian and Slovakian veterans who fought in battles for the liberation of Slovakia. Mr Putin congratulated them on the approaching Day of Liberation of Slovakia and Victory Day.
The Russian President also visited the National Council of Slovakia, where he met with head Pavol Hrusovsky and several parliamentary deputies.
Mr Putin also met with Slovakian Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda. Issues of economic cooperation were discussed.
See also
Meeting with Veterans of the Slovak Liberation Movement
February 25, 2005
Beginning of Meeting with Prime Minister of Slovakia Mikulas Dzurinda
February 25, 2005
Official Visit to Slovakia
February 24 − 25, 2005